What are PFAS? Part 1: Tom Simmons

In this series, HRP's Brooke Casella is asking, what is PFAS? HRP's PFAS experts will each share their perspective on the question, answering not only, what is PFAS, but what does PFAS mean in the specific context and discipline where they operate.On the first episode, Tom Simmons, head of content for HRP Associates, and host of this podcast, share's his perspective. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

We spoke with Laurel Pickard a senior project engineer here at HRP about PFAS in wastewater and the impact that has on wetlands.Her project experience includes a variety of environmental compliance, site investigation and remediation work, including commercial, industrial, academic and residential sites. Laurel’s diverse project experience includes environmental compliance in air, wastewater and hazardous waste in manufacturing facilities as well as academic institutions and hospitals.  You can read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/18/pfas-wetlands-wasterwater-effluent  Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

We spoke with Greg Ackerson from Apex Water Solutions on their onsite leachate treatment technology. The WARP system promises to remove 100% of PFAS. We get the details from Greg on how this system works.Greg is a facility and technology expert who strives to improve his client’s-built environments as well as their operational efficiencies.He specializes in working with both public and private sector clients to improve the health and safety of their built environment as well as improving their operational efficiencies.You can check out The Apex Companies here: https://apex-co.us/ Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

Co-host Matthew Wallace just completed his first PFAS sampling!Here's a breakdown of what we wanted to know from the EHS&S Professional:We thought a little breakdown of Do you do much sampling generally?Without telling us who the client was, or giving away too much, can you tell us what the facility was, what it was like?What kind of sampling was this?What was the preparation that you have to for PFAS specifically?What were the special considerations for this particular event? Things you thought about doing, changes up  Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

Join hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace, joined by HRP's EHS&S Practice Leader, Jackie Baxley, as we break down the new deadline for PFAS TSCA reporting.EPA announced an interim final rule which extended the dates of the reporting period for data submissions for the TSCA PFAS reporting rule. Submissions are now due by October 13, 2026, for most manufacturers. Small businesses reporting data solely on importing PFAS contained in articles have until April 13, 2027, to submit reports. This rule provides much needed time for the regulated community to assess its manufacturing (including import) from 2011 to 2022 relative to PFAS.  Prior to this rule being published, the reporting period was set to open this July with reports due January 11, 2026. For more information on this rule, refer to HRP’s webinar presented February 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNalxzfPxog  Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

Join hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace as we talk to Jonathan Thorn, Technical Director and PFAS Practice Leader, at Eurofins, as debunk the biggest myths and misconceptions around PFAS from the perspective of the lab.Jonathan Thorn has worked in the field of environmental analytical chemistry for over 28 years. For the last eight years, his primary focus has been the analysis of PFAS in environmental samples, focusing on development and implementation of analytical methods in difficult matrices, including ground water, wastewater, landfill leachate, sediment, soil, biosolids, environmental tissues, agricultural products, and animal blood. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

Ripped from the Pulse! Your PFAS headlines for the month of April.We're talking big moves from Trump's EPA to end PFAS bans and eliminate research grants.On the research front, we also take a peek at nanocage PFAS tech!And we talk about new anti-PFAS lobbying efforts from unexpected areas.All articles and studies can be found, linked, on the PFAS Pulse!  Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

We sit down with HRP's Laurel Pickard to talk about the latest PFAS developments regarding the MSGP for 2026. How will it impact big and small businesses when it comes to various stormwater and other sampling concerns.  Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

Hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace are joined by Lindsay Boone of Pace Analytical for a full spectrum conversation on the state of PFAS science. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

The list of PFAS chemicals subject to TRI reporting grows to 205! Hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace are joined by HRP's EHS&S Practice Leader Jackie Baxley to discuss the additions. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.