SAME Anchorage Post October Meeting

This presentation will provide information on PFAS and it's impacts on Construction in Alaska

PFAS—often referred to as “forever chemicals”—are an increasing challenge for contractors working across Alaska. With evolving regulations and costly mitigation requirements, overlooking PFAS can result in unexpected expenses, project delays, and long-term liabilities. Developers and project teams need to know whether PFAS is present on their site and understand how to address it effectively.

In this session, Kristen will provide an overview of PFAS, including a brief history of how these chemicals were discovered, where they commonly occur, and how regulations have shifted from their initial discovery to the present day. She will also discuss treatment options for PFAS in soil and groundwater—highlighting how early approaches have evolved into the methods currently available. Kristen will also focus on how contamination is being managed on active construction projects and the uncertainties surrounding federal policies.

About our speakers:

Speaker: Kirsten Freiburger, Senior Associate and Fairbanks office Environmental Group Leader, leads Shannon & Wilson’s response to several large, high-profile PFAS contamination projects in Alaskan communities, including areas where residential private wells have been affected and effective community engagement are of critical importance. With more than 18 years of experience, she has directed the design and execution of large-scale sampling programs at a former refinery and multiple Part 139 airports. She has a deep understanding of the evolving regulatory framework surrounding PFAS, including current and pending requirements. In recent years, she has collaborated with the state regulatory agency to establish approaches for managing PFAS contamination during construction projects, with an emphasis on the handling of disturbed materials rather than standard site characterization efforts. Kristen’s expertise extends nationwide, where she provides technical leadership and regulatory insight for PFAS response efforts across multiple Shannon & Wilson offices. At the national level, Kristen collaborates with other PFAS leaders and has chaired sessions at the 2021 and 2024 Chlorinated Solvents Conferences, facilitating PFAS discussions with environmental professionals from around the world.

Info: Arrive at BP Energy Center, get lunch (if ordered), network with colleagues.

Info: Presentation on PFAS Regulation updates and implications for design/construction

Host or Publisher Society of American Military Engineers, Anchorage Post