Environmental Technology Amid Increasing Regulations

On Feb 17, 2026

As regulatory changes continue to reshape the environmental landscape – and emerging contaminants such as PFAS, or health-hazardous “forever chemicals,” linger on – selecting the right technology for any remediation project remains a balancing act.

Matthew Ambrusch, associate principal at Langan Engineering, explains it this way: “When evaluating remedial strategies for a site, one must consider the ‘good, fast, cheap’ concept – the efficacy of the technology (good), the duration of the remedy (fast), and the cost of the remediation (cheap),” he says.

“Langan works with clients to develop remedial strategies that address two of those concerns, because an effective, quick remedy often comes with a cost, while a cheap, quick remedy will likely be less successful, and an effective, inexpensive remedy will take time,” Ambrusch explains.

Further complicating matters are the more stringent limits the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has placed on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which now require remedial action at sites that previously wouldn’t have been regulated.

Gone are the days when environmental remediation projects could rely on expensive pump-and-treat systems, where contaminated groundwater was pumped to the surface, cleaned, and returned to the ground.

Those high-maintenance systems simply won’t cut it anymore, says James Peeples, vice president and technical director of environmental services at T&M Associates.

“Pump-and-treat systems are energy-intensive and slow,” he says. “T&M has shifted toward in-situ methods for faster cleanup and reduced lifecycle costs.”

Addressing PFAS

To address PFAS contamination in particular, firms like T&M have turned to technologies such as granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange resins, which act as filters to capture PFAS from groundwater.

“We’ve implemented GAC and ion exchange resins because they are proven, cost-effective, and meet regulatory standards,” Peeples says.

Langan Engineering is also focused on PFAS, using a combination of carbon adsorption, ion exchange resin, and foam fractionation.

“Considerable research and innovation are being conducted to support PFAS treatment,” says Ambrusch. “That said, while new technologies are being developed and made scalable, it’s more common for established technologies to be repurposed and optimized specifically for PFAS treatment.”

Another important trend is the use of in-situ remediation methods – like in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) and enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) – that allow engineers to treat contamination directly underground, speeding up the process and reducing operational costs.

“Excavation is disruptive and expensive,” Peeples says. “We now favor in-situ stabilization or bioremediation for sustainability and cost savings.”

Langan often employs in-situ stabilization and solidification (ISS), which involves mixing cement-like materials into contaminated soil to lock pollutants in place.

“This technology essentially creates a monolith of concrete in the subsurface, trapping contaminants in the soil matrix and limiting their ability to diffuse and mobilize down-gradient through groundwater,” Ambrusch says.

Not only is this a long-term solution to contamination, but ISS also supports redevelopment projects by stabilizing the ground beneath new buildings, Ambrusch adds.

Looking ahead, both Langan and T&M are investing in emerging technologies to combat PFAs.

High-Tech Monitoring

Technology is also advancing in the area of environmental monitoring.

“AI and remote sensing improve real-time data collection and predictive modeling, reducing risk and optimizing remediation strategies,” Peeples says.

Predicting how contaminants spread over time may also help nature-based solutions gain traction, particularly in stormwater management. By using techniques like wetlands restoration and vegetated swales, firms are able to meet water quality standards by integrating natural systems into urban planning.

“We’re investing in technologies that integrate ecological benefits with engineering performance,” Peeples says.

Air Quality

Air quality is another area where New Jersey’s regulatory changes are pushing firms to adopt more sophisticated technologies. The state’s air quality standards, including the use of Best Available Control Technology (BACT) and Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) determinations, require industrial clients to install pollution control equipment that minimizes emissions.

For example, “T&M has deployed regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) for industrial clients to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, chosen for their efficiency and compliance with air permitting requirements,” Peeples says.

At the same time, New Jersey has ramped up its focus on landfill gas emissions, especially methane. In response, T&M uses the LandGEM model developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help clients estimate and manage these emissions, ensuring compliance with the state’s stricter regulations on greenhouse gases.

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