Changing the perspective: EMPEREST exchanges experiences with US experts

The conference “PFAS Treatment USA 2024” on 20-21 November 2024 featured two main components: an exhibition area with stands and a series of presentation panels. While the presentations primarily focused on technologies for the removal and destruction of PFAS, they also offered insights into the legal framework in the United States, where the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a central role, and in a limited but impactful way touched on the topic of public communication.

We’ve learnt that EPA is not only responsible for drafting and enforcing laws but is also expected to recommend optimal technologies, propose technical solutions to specific challenges, and provide both scientific and practical guidance. This shows the regulatory system in water sector in the United States differs significantly from what we observe in the European Union. It was an incredibly inspiring event where cutting-edge technologies for removing PFAS and other micropollutants from water sources and organic wastes were discussed. These included adsorption on activated carbon, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, electrochemical oxidation, UV radiation, photocatalysis, supercritical water oxidation, foam fractionation, coagulation, and gasification/pyrolysis.

Speaking about the communication issues, for every PR professional, conducting public communication seems quite straightforward. However, this is not so obvious when it comes to the necessity of conveying information about difficult and uncomfortable topics. Thus, we were very satisfied with the chance to get familiar with a very professional approach presented by former reporter of CNN and CBS. Thanks to the real-life examples given, we were able to solidify our knowledge and see for ourselves that indeed misinformation, as well as not precise, not transparent or too late information can ruin the message sent to the public or even – ruin the result we wanted to achieve. Therefore the most important lessons taken are:

• “Hear from you first, they’ll trust you first. Hear from you last, they’ll trust you last.”
• “Become and stay to go-to source for information.”
• “Put yourself in you customers’ shoes. Be the expert. Fight off misinformation.”

Our participation in this conference left us optimistic that the challenges posed by PFAS in water sources can be effectively addressed through both advanced removal and destruction technologies. We are also very pleased that our experience with advanced technologies for removing micropollutants from wastewater gathered in the EMPEREST project, as well as the experience in communication field have been enriched with a substantial dose of new and valuable knowledge, which should bring tangible profits in the future for better environment.

Written by: Monika Piotrowska-Szypryt and Marek Swinarski, Gdansk Water Utilities Ltd. 

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