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The Department of Defense (DoD) recently updated its 2023 Interim Guidance on PFAS destruction, marking a significant milestone for PFAS destruction providers. For the first time, hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT) has been officially mentioned in a DoD document as an emerging technology under review for the destruction of PFAS containing materials.
According to the updated guidance, the DoD has made substantial investments in research and development efforts to assess and verify various PFAS destruction methods. The guidance states:
"DoD has made significant investments in research and development activities related to the destruction of PFAS containing materials and continues to evaluate existing and developing PFAS destruction technologies, monitor studies on those technologies’ effectiveness and potential environmental effects, and collaborate on best practices. This includes analyzing and verifying the protectiveness of emerging PFAS destruction technologies (such as SCWO and hydrothermal alkaline treatment)."
Additionally, the DoD is reviewing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) April 2024 updated guidance to integrate new information and disposal options into its framework. As part of this review, the Department is assessing whether existing data supports the suitability of emerging technologies like HALT and supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) for specific PFAS-containing waste streams, such as aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) concentrate and rinsate.
This recognition signals a shift in how the DoD is approaching PFAS destruction. Historically, PFAS-rich waste has been managed through incineration, landfilling, or solidification. However, the mention of HALT and other emerging technologies highlights the Department’s move toward scientifically validated and environmentally protective alternatives.
The updated guidance also mentions the DoD’s plan to expedite the removal of AFFF containing PFAS and transition to fluorine-free firefighting agents. By considering destruction methods that go beyond traditional disposal, the DoD aims to:
The DoD expects its forthcoming guidance update to support ongoing AFFF transition efforts. With the evaluation of innovative technologies like HALT, the Department is positioning itself to adopt best practices that align with both environmental and public health protection goals. This recognition is an important step in validating the work we’ve accomplished to advance HALT as a leading PFAS destruction technology. We’re encouraged by the DoD’s commitment to evaluating emerging solutions and look forward to seeing how this guidance evolves in the coming months.
