Beyond PFOS and PFOA: Ultrashort-chain PFAS and UCMR 6 implications

Proposed monitoring requirements under the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) are bringing ultrashort-chain PFAS into sharper focus. Proposed on July 1, 2026, UCMR 6 would require public water systems to monitor 30 unregulated contaminants between 2028 and 2030, including ultrashort-chain PFAS. These compounds are highly mobile, difficult to detect and challenging to treat, creating new considerations for organizations responsible for water quality, environmental compliance and PFAS management.

Learn about the science and behavior of these compounds from GHD, analytical testing and measurement from PACE Labs and high-temperature incineration and other destruction methods from Veolia. Through real-world testing examples and practical lessons learned, the discussion will connect these perspectives to monitoring, site management, treatment selection and long-term planning.

• Jennifer Son - Environment Market Leader - Canada, GHD (Facilitator)

• Zhiyong Xia - National PFAS Technical Leader, GHD

• Philip Bassignani - Manager – Product Line; Pace^® Mansfield PFAS Technical Director, Pace^® Analytical Services

• Dietrich Hovener - Vice President of Thermal Operations, Veolia North America

• Assess how the behavior of ultrashort-chain PFAS could affect monitoring, site management and treatment decisions. 

• Explore current approaches to sampling, testing and measuring these compounds through real-world examples and practical lessons learned.

• Consider the role of high-temperature incineration and other destruction methods in PFAS management. 

• Connect scientific, analytical and treatment perspectives to long-term planning.