The Urgent Need for PFAS and PFOA Cleanup
The presence of toxic “forever chemicals” like PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in groundwater, soil, and drinking water is a growing public health concern. As regulatory agencies like the U.S. EPA and international bodies tighten their standards, companies and municipalities must act fast to ensure PFOA compliance and eliminate environmental and legal risks.
But one major hurdle stands in the way—cost.
PFAS cleanup can be expensive, but funding is available. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to secure financial support for your PFOA and PFAS remediation projects through grants, loans, and PFAS financing solutions.
The True Cost of PFAS and PFOA Cleanup
Understanding the cost landscape is crucial to knowing how much funding you’ll need. Common expenses include:
- Site assessment and contamination mapping
- Treatment system design and implementation
- Long-term monitoring and reporting
- Regulatory filing and legal compliance
- Operation and maintenance (O&M) costs
Depending on the scale, total remediation costs can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.
Top Funding Options for PFAS Financing
Fortunately, there are a growing number of public and private funding sources available to offset these costs.
1. Federal and State Grants
Many governments have introduced dedicated programs to support PFOA and PFAS cleanup efforts:
- U.S. EPA Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA): Low-interest loans for large-scale water infrastructure projects, including PFAS treatment.
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL): $10 billion allocated specifically for addressing emerging contaminants, including PFAS and PFOA.
- State-level SRFs (State Revolving Funds): Each state administers its own water infrastructure funds that support drinking water and wastewater projects.
👉 Tip: Work with a PFAS solutions provider who can help you prepare strong grant applications.
2. Department of Defense (DoD) & Military Funding
If the contamination is linked to past military activity (e.g., fire training using AFFF foam), you may be eligible for DoD-funded cleanup support under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP).
3. Private Financing & Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
Some PFAS solution providers and environmental firms offer PFAS financing options through:
- Capital leasing models
- Build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangements
- Performance-based contracts (PBCs)
These flexible structures allow you to pay for remediation over time based on results, rather than needing large upfront capital.
4. Environmental Insurance and Legal Settlements
In some cases, environmental liability insurance or legal settlements (especially from PFAS manufacturers) can help cover remediation costs. Be sure to review historical policies and consult with legal experts.
How to Prepare for Funding Success
Getting the funding you need requires more than just identifying sources—you also need a clear strategy. Here’s how to improve your chances:
1. Conduct a Site Assessment
Understand the scope of contamination. A comprehensive environmental site assessment (Phase I and II ESAs) will identify pollutants and their concentrations.
2. Define the PFOA Solution
Choose the most effective treatment system—this could be:
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
- Ion Exchange Resin Systems
- Reverse Osmosis
- Turnkey PFAS Solutions (offered by companies like R3 Sustainability)
A well-defined solution shows funders you’re ready for implementation.
3. Demonstrate PFOA Compliance Alignment
Show how your cleanup project aligns with local, state, and federal PFOA compliance standards. Funders want to support projects that meet real regulatory needs.
4. Partner with Experts
Work with a remediation partner who understands both technology and funding. Experts can help:
- Scope your project
- Prepare budgets and ROI projections
- Draft proposals and grant applications
Why Turnkey PFAS Solutions Are Easier to Fund
Many funding programs prefer streamlined, comprehensive projects. That’s where turnkey PFAS solutions come in—they combine:
- Site testing
- System design and installation
- Ongoing maintenance
- Compliance reporting
This all-in-one model is not only efficient, but also more appealing to funders looking for scalable, low-risk solutions.
R3 Sustainability: Your PFAS Financing Partner
At R3 Sustainability, we help public and private sector clients:
- Assess PFAS and PFOA contamination
- Identify and deploy the right treatment technologies
- Navigate PFAS financing, grants, and compliance processes
- Deliver full-scale, turnkey PFOA solutions
Whether you’re a municipal water utility, industrial facility, or military base, our team can tailor a cleanup and financing plan that works for your site and budget.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and explore funding options today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are PFOA cleanup projects eligible for government grants?
Yes. Both federal and state governments have introduced funding programs for PFAS and PFOA remediation—especially in water infrastructure projects.
2. How long does it take to secure PFAS financing?
Timelines vary, but with the right documentation and support, grant approvals can be secured within 3–6 months. Private financing options can be even faster.
3. Can I combine grants and private financing?
Absolutely. Many projects use a blend of federal/state grants and private financing for greater flexibility.
4. What happens if we don’t comply with PFOA regulations?
Non-compliance can result in severe fines, legal action, and reputational damage. Early action supported by funding is the best way to stay ahead.
Final Thoughts
The cost of cleaning up PFOA and PFAS contamination may seem overwhelming—but you don’t have to go it alone. With the right plan, the right technology, and the right funding, compliance and cleanup are within reach.
By exploring grants, PFAS financing, and turnkey PFOA solutions, you can protect your community, meet regulatory standards, and safeguard your long-term operations.