RemTEC Summit

Struse
Amanda Struse
Environmental Engineer
Jacobs

Amanda Struse, PE is an Environmental Engineer with 22 years of experience in conceptual site models, remedial investigation/feasibility studies and remediation, including per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS)-related assessment and investigation work, for airport, DoD and commercial clients. Amanda has successfully managed and lead site investigation and remediation work at a variety of facilities, including active military airfields and industrial manufacturing facilities. She has completed design and implementation of numerous soil and groundwater remedies and her knowledge of these technologies furthers her ability to develop sound strategies for cleanup objectives, conceptual site models, data collection and evaluation, and remedial alternatives. Additionally, Amanda supports PFAS research related to sampling bias, stabilization in soils, and thermal treatment of soils through the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, and the Navy Environmental Sustainability Development to Integration Program and applies this experience in understanding the state of the art in PFAS remediation and their application in real world situations.  Most recently Amanda has been working with airports on managing transition from AFFF to Fluorine-Free Foams, including evaluating current approaches for cleaning of ARRF vehicles. 


Workshop Presentation

Assessing and Mitigating Bias in PFAS Concentration during Groundwater and Surface Water Sampling

Assessing and Mitigating Bias in PFAS Concentration during Groundwater and Surface Water Sampling

Dr. Jennifer A. Field1, Trever Schwichtenberg1, Dr. Dorin Bogdan2, Dr. Charles E. Shaefer, Jr.3, Bill DiGuiseppi4, Amanda Struse4, Heather Rectenwald4, Elisabeth L. Hawley5, and Dr. Rula A. Deeb5

Oregon State University, 2AECOM, 3CDM Smith, Inc., 4Jacobs, 5Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Topics: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS); Advances in Site Characterization Tools and Approaches

Abstract: This workshop will provide participants with science-based recommendations to minimize sampling bias during per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sampling, while reducing unnecessary costs and efforts associated with overlay conservative sampling recommendations or procedures. An examination of potential bias was motivated by widespread assumptions that PFAS can be introduced during or after sample collection, as well as PFAS transformation in the laboratory during sample storage, even when standard field procedures are followed. The workshop will summarize the scientific state of knowledge regarding potential for bias in PFAS sampling, present findings of new research conducted, and provide scientifically based guidelines for practical field sampling equipment and procedures to minimize the potential for bias. Research to evaluate bias in techniques for surface water PFAS sampling will be presented, including a method for surface microlayer (SML) to assess PFAS stratification and enrichment at the air/water interface and variability in field measurements using different common PFAS sampling methods. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Similarities and differences among state and Federal guidelines for PFAS field sampling practices 

2. Scientifically based or conservative? Basis for PFAS sampling guidelines and recommendations to improve the current state of practice.

3. Effect of sampling techniques, sample storage temperature, and hold time on PFAS concentrations in groundwater and/or surface water.

4. Evaluation of PFAS surface water sampling techniques and if impacted by inclusion of the SML.