374Water Inc (NASDAQ:SCWO) has delivered and mobilized its AirSCWO 6 System to Clean Earth’s facility in Detroit to begin a series of commercial-scale demonstrations as part of a US Department of Defense (DoD) initiative to destroy PFAS-contaminated waste.
The testing campaign, expected to start in August following a three-week installation and commissioning period, is part of a previously announced project led by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP).
The initiative is aimed at evaluating commercial technologies capable of eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," from military waste streams.
“After multiple successful PFAS destruction demonstrations for federal and industrial clients, we believe this project will be a significant step toward providing the DoD with commercial-scale PFAS treatment options for a variety of scenarios,” said 374Water CEO Chris Gannon.
The streams include three sourced directly from DoD facilities and three that have been concentrated through upstream treatment technologies, according to a statement from the company.
PFAS, commonly used in firefighting foams and industrial applications, are persistent in the environment and linked to adverse health effects. The DoD is under pressure to address contamination, especially with mandates such as the National Defense Authorization Act requiring a transition to fluorine-free firefighting foams by October 2024.
Arcadis, the project’s prime engineering contractor, will conduct comprehensive analysis of air and liquid effluent samples post-treatment.
The demonstrations follow several successful PFAS destruction tests by 374Water for federal and industrial clients.
Founded to provide sustainable solutions to complex waste problems, Durham, North Carolina-based 374Water has developed the AirSCWO system to treat a broad range of hazardous and non-hazardous organic waste.
Investors welcomed Tuesday's update, sending shares of 374Water almost 18% higher in early trade.