May 21, 2026 | Issue 1
Dear Colleagues,
Valentine Environmental Engineers is excited to introduce our new biannual newsletter. Sharing industry trends, project updates, and
topics related to water treatment and environmental engineering.
This edition focuses on PFAS and highlights our ongoing work. We hope you enjoy!
— The Valentine Team
Advancing PFAS Solutions from Concept to Implementation
From planning and pilot testing to full-scale design and construction, Valentine Environmental Engineers continues to lead innovative PFAS mitigation efforts.
Valentine Environmental Engineers is on the cutting edge of PFAS mitigation, supporting clients through every phase—from early planning and pilot testing to full-scale design, construction, and implementation. As regulatory pressures and public awareness continue to grow, we are proud to deliver practical, forward thinking solutions that address today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s standards.
Tempe Well 20 Ion Exchange Treatment
Valentine is currently providing startup and commissioning phase services for an ion exchange treatment system to treat PFAS for Tempe Well 20. This project represents a critical step in ensuring safe, reliable drinking water.
The project involved constructing all equipment within a constrained site layout, requiring unique considerations related to the surrounding commercial activity near the well site.
Our team focused on optimizing treatment performance while maintaining cost efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Samantha Terrell, PE, was the Lead Engineer for the project. Pictured with Ion Exchange Vessels in the background.
Samantha Terrell, PE, working with the City of Tempe and Felix Construction on startup.
Beyond Treatment: PFAS Mitigation Strategies
While treatment remains essential, Valentine is also actively supporting non-treatment PFAS mitigation approaches. These include source identification, risk management strategies, and system planning to reduce long-term impacts.
By taking a comprehensive approach, we help clients make informed decisions that balance cost, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
Pilot Testing: Evaluating New & Traditional Media
Pilot testing continues to play a key role in identifying effective PFAS removal methods. Valentine is currently evaluating both emerging and established treatment media to determine optimal solutions for varying site conditions and water qualities. These efforts help ensure each system is tailored to deliver maximum performance and reliability.
Current pilot testing efforts are being performed for two communities in Arizona using multiple media types, including GAC, IX, Fluorosorb, and DEXSORB. Because each community has varying PFAS constituents and influent water qualities, evaluating different media is essential to understanding influent characteristics and optimizing treatment performance.
Dalton Conway, EIT, collecting PFAS samples for pilot testing at the Lakewood Well site in Amado, Arizona.
Staying Ahead of PFAS
From implementation to education, Valentine is committed to continuous learning. Team members Sam and Kaley, pictured to the left, recently attended the Arizona PFAS Forum, Bridging the Gap: PFAS Solutions for Arizona, where they connected with industry experts and explored the latest advancements in PFAS solutions.
Their participation helps keep our team informed and prepared to deliver effective, forward-thinking solutions for our clients.
As PFAS regulations continue to evolve, Valentine Environmental Engineers remains committed to delivering innovative, practical solutions that protect public health and water resources. We look forward to continuing to support our clients and partners as they navigate these complex challenges.
Valentine Highlights & Recent Events
CWEA Water Conference
Valentine attended the 2026 CWEA Annual Conference and Expo, where they explored the latest advancements in water and wastewater treatment technologies, regulatory updates, and strategies for improving system resilience.
One standout presentation highlighted the use of hydrocyclone technology at the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant to enhance sludge settling and clarifier performance, demonstrating how operational adjustments can significantly improve efficiency without requiring facility expansion. Additional sessions focused on biological nutrient removal (BNR) treatment and real-world challenges encountered during the design and implementation of large-scale wastewater facilities.
Dermot Broderick, EIT, and Chris Paquette,
EIT, from Valentine Engineers’ Carmel office at the CWEA conference booth.
AZ Water Conference
Valentine attended the 2026 AZ Water Conference in Phoenix, where they connected with industry professionals and explored the latest advancements in water and wastewater treatment.
Key discussions included emerging solutions for PFAS removal from wastewater and biosolids, with a standout presentation on foam fractionation as a promising treatment technology. The team also gained valuable insight into biological nutrient removal (BNR) systems and innovations in process equipment.
A conference highlight was learning more about the miGRATE + inDENSE treatment systems, technologies currently being implemented at Kartchner Caverns Wastewater Treatment Plant by Valentine. Seeing the adsorption media in person, including hempderived fiber media used to drive the miGRATE process, provided a deeper understanding of how these systems function in practice.
From left to right: Jazlyn Acosta, MS,
Samantha Terrell, PE, and Kaley Yazzie, MS,
from Valentine Engineers’ Phoenix office.
Dalton Conway, EIT, from Valentine Engineers’
Phoenix office in the exhibit hall.
2025 CWEA Engineering Achievement Award – Monterey Bay Section
Valentine is proud to share recognition from the 2025 CWEA Engineering Achievement Award – Monterey Bay Section, highlighting our continued commitment to excellence in water engineering. This award honors our work on the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (Reversing Flow through the
System), a complex effort focused on improving long-term water reliability for the region.
Delivered in collaboration with California American Water and Tim O’Halloran, the project required innovative design solutions, detailed hydraulic analysis, and close coordination across engineering, operations, and regulatory stakeholders.
We are especially proud of our team, particularly Senior Project Engineer Samantha Terrell, PE, for her key contributions to the project’s success.
Pebble Beach Pump Station: One of the facets of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project.
Project Spotlight: Luzern Well Site
Valentine recently completed improvements at the Luzern Well Site in Seaside, CA. There a new vertical granular activated carbon (GAC) vessel was installed to help treat groundwater for taste and odor treatment. The project included installation of new motorized valves, electrical and instrumentation upgrades, and a new backwash supply connection. Valentine also provided permitting support to obtain Division of Drinking Water (DDW) approval.
Elyse Miller, on site and standing in front of a
new GAC vessel treating hydrogen sulfide.
Intern Spotlight
Valentine would like to give a big shoutout to our interns, Camila Gonzalez and Jeebesh Shrestha! They have been valuable contributors to projects and we truly appreciate all of their hard work and dedication.
As they continue their journey at ASU, they are making great strides to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact at Valentine. We are excited to have them as part of our team and look forward to seeing all they accomplish.
