Bay West LLC, a nationally recognized environmental and remediation firm, is pioneering efforts to eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination through an innovative field demonstration funded by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). As the research lead, Bay West has conducted real-world testing and optimization of General Atomics’ (GA) PERSES system—one of the first large-scale PFAS destruction technologies deployed in the field.
Often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS are now being effectively destroyed through advanced treatment technologies. Unlike conventional approaches that transfer PFAS to another medium, PERSES breaks them down at the molecular level, transforming them into harmless byproducts like water, carbon dioxide, and inorganic salts.
After successful testing at GA’s demonstration facility in San Diego, the project is now advancing into full-scale field deployment. For four weeks, the system will be installed and operated at site selected in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, marking one of the first full-scale, on-site PFAS destruction projects using fully tested super critical water oxidation technology in the country. Bay West will oversee system testing and process optimization as the unit treats PFAS-contaminated materials, including Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), landfill leachate, biosolids, impacted soils, and filtration media such as granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange resins.
Bay West’s is fine-tuning system operations, analyzing real-world efficiency across multiple waste streams, and developing treatment cost curves. Our team’s deep expertise in remediation and field-scale implementation is helping validate this technology for future nationwide deployment.
Site preparation underway in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, where Bay West is leading a full-scale PFAS destruction field demonstration using supercritical water oxidation technology.
Bay West LLC, headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a national environmental consulting and remediation firm with over 50 years of experience tackling complex contamination challenges. From hazardous waste management and emergency spill response to site investigations and long-term remediation strategies, Bay West delivers end-to-end solutions across federal, state, and private sectors.
Bay West will be overseeing full-scale field deployment of the General Atomics PERSES system—bringing PFAS destruction directly to the source.
“The ability to destroy PFAS on- and off-site is a game-changer for remediation,” said Susan Roberts, PFAS Federal Program Manager at Bay West. “Bay West is leading the charge, ensuring that known and newly emerging destruction technologies are viable and scalable for widespread implementation. Our expertise means we’re ready to help clients not just manage PFAS but eliminate it.”
Learn more about our full range of PFAS management and destruction capabilities through our PFAS Management and Solutions services.
