430 PFAS Regulations and Technologies with Brian Liotta

 "The winning combination will include not just removal—but real destruction of PFAS." - Brian Liotta PFAS: The Invisible Challenge Reshaping Water Treatment  PFAS chemicals are everywhere—from consumer products to our bloodstream. But as regulations tighten, water treatment professionals must now evolve faster than ever. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore speaks with Brian Liotta, Director of Marketing and Product Development at USALCO, about the shifting regulatory landscape and the advanced technologies being developed to monitor, remove, and destroy PFAS compounds. From Industry Curiosity to Regulatory Urgency  Brian candidly shares how he "fell into" the world of PFAS, sparked by client questions and his work with AWT's Wastewater Subcommittee. Over time, he became one of the industry's clearest voices on how PFAS is transforming everything from chemical manufacturing to compliance practices. In this conversation, Brian breaks down the science, the timeline, and the technologies professionals need to understand—whether they're manufacturers, consultants, or field engineers. Testing, Treatment, and Destruction: What's Working and What's Coming  Testing for PFAS isn't straightforward. Brian outlines why high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry are still standard, despite the lack of affordable, field-ready kits. Then, he walks us through the big three: granular activated carbon, ion exchange, and membrane filtration—explaining how each performs and what their operational limits are. He also introduces lesser-known but emerging strategies like foam fractionation, electrostatic concentration, and supercritical water oxidation—some of which could shape the next generation of end-to-end PFAS solutions.  The Legal Front: EPA Rules, State Action, and the Chevron Doctrine  The conversation turns toward the regulatory environment: from the EPA's national drinking water standard of 4 parts per trillion to individual state actions in California, Maine, New York, and others. Brian unpacks the implications of the Chevron Doctrine being overturned and why this legal shift may slow federal implementation but accelerate state-led policies. What It Means for Water Treatment Professionals  Whether you're new to industrial water or managing a large portfolio, Brian delivers a simple but powerful takeaway: understand the regulations, study the technologies, and provide solutions. With PFAS-related services on the rise, the opportunity for technical leadership and business growth is clear—but only for those who do their homework and move early.  Conclusion  PFAS isn't just a regulatory buzzword—it's a catalyst for innovation. As Brian notes, the most successful professionals will be those who bridge the gap between evolving science and real-world application. This episode equips you with a deeper understanding of what's at stake and how to lead your customers through uncertainty with confidence. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!    Timestamps   10:35 – Water You Know with James McDonald  12:52 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals   18:06 – Interview with Brian Liotta Director of Marketing & Product Development of USALCO   22:15 — What is PFAS?   26:00 — EPA's new 4 parts per trillion PFAS drinking water standard and what it means 32:06 — Treatment technologies: GAC, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and their pros and cons 37:32 — Emerging innovations: foam fractionation, electrostatic concentration, and plasma-based destruction 42:00 — State-by-state PFAS regulations and implications of the Chevron Doctrine ruling 46:20 — Advice to new water professionals: understand the regulations, then bring the right solutions   Quotes  "Regulation drives our business. If you're not paying attention, you're not preparing your customers." "PFAS are in our water, our products, even our bloodstream. This isn't hype—it's science catching up." "Some of the smartest people I know ask a lot of questions. Curiosity is how you become valuable."  "We're seeing companies build end-to-end treatment trains. That's where the innovation is happening."    Connect with Brian Liotta  Phone: 15102747326  Email: [email protected]   Website: Water Treatment Chemicals - Baltimore, MD | USALCO  LinkedIn: Brian Liotta | LinkedIn  Click HERE to Download Episode's Discussion Guide    Guest Resources Mentioned   Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) ITRC Resources Guide   ITRC PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)   Join ITRC PFAS Team  EPA PFAS Resource Center  Battelle PFAS ANNIHILATOR® Destruction Technology  Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs  This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel J. Levitin  Brooks: The Biography of Brooks Robinson  EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS (2023)   Chevron Doctrine Overturn (2024) – Supreme Court Decision  EPA Announces It Will Keep Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA, PFOS   EPA's Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Sewage Sludge  EPA's Summary of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)  MIT News ' A new sensor detects harmful "forever chemicals" in drinking water '  AWWA's Journal: Treating PFAS-Laden Waste Using Aqueous Electrostatic Concentration   California adopts health-protective goals for forever chemicals in drinking water  Colorado PFAS Restrictions  Maine PFAS   Maryland PFAS   Maryland PFAS in Biosolids Regulatory Update – August 20, 2024    Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea  The Rising Tide Mastermind Ep 410 Unleash Your Pricing Power: Casey Brown's 'Fearless Pricing' Revolutionizes Business Value  Ep 408 Pinks and Blues: The Power of Processes  Fearless Pricing: Ignite Your Team, Own Your Value, and Command What You Deserve by Casey Brown    Water You Know with James McDonald  Question: If you place a small amount of concentrated hydrochloric acid on a deposit sample and it bubbles, what is this likely to indicate?    2025 Events for Water Professionals  Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.