A New Way to Remove PFAS: The LEEF System
The Water & Carbon Group has introduced a practical, fixed-plant solution for one of the toughest problems in solid waste today: PFAS in landfill leachate. Their LEEF System® is now operating in the U.S.—the first fixed-plant system purpose-built to remove per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from raw leachate. It’s designed to treat the liquid as it is, at the source, and do so efficiently.
Real-World Performance at Bethlehem Landfill
The technology is already delivering in the field. At its first U.S. installation with Bethlehem Landfill Company, the system has been running since early July and is treating leachate to below detection limits for PFAS. Those results exceed U.S. EPA drinking water standards, offering a clear path for operators who need dependable outcomes and regulatory confidence.
What the Bethlehem Team Is Seeing
“Our collaboration with The Water & Carbon Group aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals. In just one month, the LEEF System® has exceeded our expectations, effectively removing targeted PFAS contaminants to undetectable levels,” said Astor Lawson, District Manager of Bethlehem Landfill Company. The early data points to a solution that does what it promises—and does it quickly.
Perspective from The Water & Carbon Group
CEO Jim Hunter underscored how years of development shaped this U.S. deployment: “The successful installation at Bethlehem illustrates the advancement of our Research and Development efforts along with our operational expertise that we've honed in Australia. The LEEF System® is not just a solution; it is a transformative technology designed to meet the challenges of PFAS in the U.S. solid waste industry.” The experience built overseas is now focused on a very local need.
How the LEEF System® Works
The LEEF System® targets PFAS directly in untreated leachate. By going straight to the source, it avoids pre-treatment steps, cuts energy use, and keeps residuals to a minimum—all while maintaining strong removal performance. For landfill operators, that combination supports cleaner water discharges and steadier day-to-day management of leachate, without adding layers of complexity.
Foam Fractionation, Applied to Leachate
At the core is a foam fractionation process. It leverages the tendency of PFAS to attach to air bubbles, lifting them out of the water so they can be separated and handled. In practice, this approach removes 99% of PFAS compounds—and it does so quickly. The outcome is straightforward: PFAS are transferred out of the leachate stream for appropriate disposal, and operators are left with a treated discharge that’s far cleaner.
Built for Today’s Regulatory Moment
Regulatory pressure around PFAS is rising. Recent actions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have underscored the need for effective, field-ready treatment options in the solid waste sector. By implementing foam fractionation through the LEEF System®, landfill sites have a pathway to address PFAS in their leachate consistently. This approach positions the system as a likely model for how landfills can manage PFAS going forward.
Designed with Community Safety in Mind
The Water & Carbon Group’s focus is simple: deploy technology that protects people and the environment. With the LEEF System®, North American landfill operators gain access to a proven, affordable option that aligns with emerging PFAS requirements and supports responsible site operations. Cleaner discharge and tighter control over PFAS are the practical outcomes.
Developed by leading environmental engineers in Australia and delivered in collaboration with Leachate Management Specialists, the LEEF System® marks a step change in sustainable leachate treatment. It’s an engineering solution built to fit how landfills actually operate.
Contact and Learn More
For questions or details about The Water & Carbon Group and the LEEF System®, please reach out to:
The Water & Carbon Group
John Croom
(201) 408-6572
www.waterandcarbon.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LEEF System® designed to do?
It’s a fixed-plant treatment system built to remove PFAS from raw landfill leachate, helping sites meet environmental standards without adding unnecessary complexity.
How does the technology achieve PFAS removal?
The system uses foam fractionation, a process that draws PFAS onto air bubbles so they can be separated from the water and managed appropriately.
What results has the Bethlehem Landfill seen?
Since early July, the installation has treated leachate to below detection limits for PFAS, surpassing U.S. EPA drinking water standards.
Does the LEEF System® require pre-treatment or high energy use?
No. It treats untreated leachate directly, conserves energy, and minimizes residuals while maintaining high performance.
Who benefits most from this approach?
Landfill operators and waste management facilities that need a proven, affordable way to address PFAS in leachate and keep pace with emerging regulations.
