The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is awarding millions to boost U.S. power reliability and capacity, and is emphasizing coal power modernization and mineral recovery from waste streams. This funding repositions coal within the energy mix to counter the high cost of new natural gas plants and current storage limitations of renewables. The value of existing coal assets and capacity is surging as funding announcements revive ready-to-use coal plants and support new technologies and processes that will keep America’s lights shining as energy demand escalates.
Jon Yang, a senior geochemist at SCS Engineers, has been eagerly following the dollar trail and client opportunities. “Power providers and coal plants are in a great spot to develop new value streams while mitigating risks of coal-centric operations. This is a mega-win for everyone,” says Jon.
As utilities and coal plants pursue funding and explore new markets, Jon offers guidance to maximize progress, derisk their market entry, and avoid setbacks.
Quickly Identify the Economic Opportunity of Mineral Recovery
The DOE dedicated $355 million to expand domestic recovery and production of Critical Minerals (CM) and Rare Earth Elements (REE) from waste streams. This investment will help commercialize recovery technologies, meaning the 4.4 billion tons of coal waste (including 2 billion tons of coal ash) dispersed across the country could be worth $8.4 billion. Simultaneously, this opportunity for CM and REE recovery can also mitigate risks of coal waste handling and storage, which are currently significant liabilities for power providers and coal plants. But, how do you know whether ash equals cash?
“Rare earth elements are often misunderstood and misinterpreted—they can be difficult to quantify and interpret accurately,” Jon says. “Moreover, technologies for the extraction of REEs from these types of materials are still in their infancy and require careful vetting. SCS has the expertise to bridge these gaps in the form of expert analysis, quick-turn feasibility studies, and strategic relationships.”
To assess the economic opportunity of coal waste, SCS collects small-scale samples and works with specialized laboratories to analyze the composition, concentration, and extractability of valuable elements. With this data, utilities and coal plants can pinpoint their opportunity, attract investors, and green-light projects with limited early investment. Building on the feasibility study, SCS can conduct a full resource assessment for a comprehensive market analysis that considers extraction technology, production costs, and market potential.
“Our client experience in coal waste mineral and metal valuation is proven,” Jon says. “We excel as owner-advisors because we are experts in CM and REE geochemistry, techno-economic evaluations to determine feasibility, and business case development.”
Invest in Fundamental Coal Plant Processes to Better Support Innovation
The DOE earmarked $100 million to restore coal plants—including water and wastewater management, and environmental monitoring and controls—to enable them to run longer and enhance byproduct and mineral recovery. As utilities and coal plants pursue new value streams, they should also bolster critical foundational systems.
“Coal waste stream recovery requires precise systems and approaches to manage water use, wastewater management, and environmental standards. You won’t get far without them,” Jon says.
Extraction technologies, such as high-pressure acid leaching, require large amounts of water and produce difficult-to-treat wastewater containing dissolved metals and acids. By strengthening the critical systems that support the beneficial reuse of coal waste streams, utilities and coal plants maximize waste-stream value, increase extraction efficiency, reduce environmental liabilities, and meet environmental standards.
Start with a Strong Grant Application
Applicants seeking DOE funding must submit grant applications and, in some cases, work proposals. When dealing with technical requirements, applicants who partner with a specialized company are better able to address the complexities inherent to engineering and scientific grants. As a technical partner, SCS can manage the entire application process, allowing utility and coal plant teams to remain focused on operational priorities.
With millions of grant dollars up for grabs, now is the time to lock in a strong partner. Jon says there are three essential priorities to look for:
“We frequently succeed in securing federal grants because our technical specialization translates to specific, measurable, achievable projects that are aligned to government missions and priorities,” explains Jon. “With the right partner, utilities and coal plants will win grants and lead coal down new, sustainable paths.”
Related Mineral Recovery Resources:
As an employee-owned environmental consulting and construction firm, SCS Engineers supports the communities we live and work in year-round. But we all want to be doing something extra during the holidays.
In 2024, SCS donated to 43 local registered IRS 501(c)(3) charities during the holidays, positively impacting over 90,000 people! Our Corporate program has proven to be successful, so we plan to grow it this year.
In addition to supporting this year’s annual SCS Young Professional Group’s holiday fundraising, we plan to send significant donations to the four charities below that align with the environmental nature of our business and do so much for others. We will continue funding the Robert Stearns SWANA and the Environmental Research & Education Fund Scholarships.
These charities rely on consistent donations from patrons like SCS and you. We thank them all for their continuing humanitarian work. As always, we will continue to donate year round to the Red Cross and World Central Kitchen in support of people impacted by natural disasters worldwide.
Inclement weather, such as high winds, heavy rain, flooding, and extreme temperatures, impacts power companies through physical infrastructure damage, increased demand, and environmental vulnerabilities. Strong winds can topple poles and trees, flooding can damage substations, heat can cause equipment to overheat, and power lines can snap.
Power companies across the U.S. use environmental engineers for many functions, such as ensuring compliance with regulations, managing waste, designing systems to minimize environmental impact, and conducting environmental assessments to mitigate impacts from storms and natural disasters.
Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) has proactive measures to protect its infrastructure and the environment from inclement weather. The protections include strengthening generation sources, regular maintenance, vegetation management, and partnering with SCS Engineers for environmental assessments and remediation.
Mineral oil is an electrical insulator and cooling agent inside power transformers. It serves as an excellent electrical insulator and a highly effective cooling agent. It prevents electrical discharges and short circuits between components while absorbing and dissipating the heat generated during operation. While a good solution for extreme weather, careful handling is critical should a transformer be damaged, which is why OPPD relies on SCS to quickly and effectively assess and remediate storm damage in the surrounding environment.
Spills happen suddenly. When they do, the SCS team is on call to assess, contain, and remediate an affected area. The remediation process involves cleaning surfaces, removing contaminated soil, and restoring the spill site, all while working to minimize power disruptions for local families and businesses. Our decades-long partnership stems from our environmental expertise and rapid response to help OPPD maintain reliable service, upholding its customer commitment to quality service and the environment.
There’s no escaping Mother Nature – extreme weather events will continue to affect Omaha through increasing risks of flooding, severe thunderstorms, and extreme heat, driven by changing precipitation patterns and the urban heat island effect. These storms bring damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes, as seen in recent years, and can damage power company infrastructure. Knowing you have an environmental steward behind your power company demonstrates Omaha Public Power District’s social commitment to its community.
Additional Resources:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM) announces it is updating guidance for addressing residential lead exposures at Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) sites.
The new directive for investigating and cleaning up lead in residential soil at contaminated sites emphasizes early collaboration with state and local partners to protect communities. You should consider this as a directive for all sites with residential lead contamination subject to CERCLA response and RCRA authorities, including federal facility cleanup programs subject to CERCLA Section 120, and potentially by federal agencies using response action authorities delegated to them under Executive Order 12580.
This Directive supersedes the January 2024 Updated Residential Soil Lead Guidance for CERCLA Sites and RCRA Corrective Action Facilities in addressing lead contaminated soil on residential properties at CERCLA and RCRA sites.
The agency’s new guidance aims to address inefficiencies which slow progress to decrease lead exposure in residential neighborhoods at Superfund and hazardous waste sites. The updated directive establishes the following:
EPA will continue to use site-specific factors, including exposure considerations, soil lead background levels and community input, to make informed decisions on how to address lead exposure at each site.
The announcement on October 20, 2025, also includes a series of process improvements to accelerate response actions that address lead contaminated soil on residential properties including more nationally consistent cleanup decisions, early engagement with state and local partners, sharing best practices through the establishment of a National Center of Excellence for Residential Lead Cleanups, and specialized contracting mechanisms to leverage removal and remedial actions.
EPA plans for a roadmap for response action decision-making at residential properties and other high impact areas for children (e.g., schools, playgrounds). EPA defines residential properties as any area with high or unrestricted accessibility to sensitive populations (e.g., young children less than 7 years old) and includes, but is not limited to, properties containing single- and multifamily dwellings, apartment complexes, vacant lots in residential areas, schools, daycare centers, community centers, playgrounds, parks and other recreational areas, green ways, and any other areas where young children may risk exposure to site-related contaminated media. The roadmap will include engineered and non-engineered approaches.
Establish a National Center of Excellence for CERCLA Residential Lead Cleanups as a centralized resource to share expertise across regions, identify and facilitate efficiencies, and establish best management practices across all phases of characterization and cleanup.
CERCLA five-year reviews (FYRs) remain an essential statutory tool to evaluate protectiveness of both engineered and non-engineered remedy components at any site where hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants remain on site above levels that permit unlimited use and unrestricted exposure, per CERCLA Section 121(c) and 40 CFR Part 300.430(f)(4)(ii). The findings of a FYR may result in the need for further evaluation, cleanup and/or institutional controls to support short- and/or long-term protection.
Additional Resources:
The upcoming round of EPA Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, RLF, and Cleanup (MARC) Grant applications is your community’s final opportunity to benefit from expanded funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). With this expanded support ending, competition is expected to be intense, and future grants could be smaller and scarcer.
Don’t miss this critical moment to secure transformative resources for revitalization and economic growth. Partner with SCS and start preparing your application now to stand out and make an impact.
EPA anticipates issuing the following solicitations for funding in fall 2025:
Let’s lay the groundwork today, so you’re ready when it counts. Reach out to SCS to start building your competitive, on-time application. After you contact us, one of our grant experts will reach out to schedule a virtual meeting.
The strongest applications don’t come together overnight. They are forged well in advance through strategic planning and expert insight.
At SCS, we guide our clients through every step of the process, helping you confirm eligibility, craft a compelling story, and compile the documentation that makes your application stand out. Our team has a strong track record of securing Brownfields funding for communities nationwide. When you work with us, you’re not just meeting deadlines but increasing your chances of success.
MARC Grant Funding Resources:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also referred to as “forever chemicals”, pose serious health and environmental risks due to their long-lasting nature, harmful effects, and widespread application across diverse industrial and commercial sectors. Exposure to PFAS has been linked with several forms of cancer and immune suppression, as well as thyroid gland dysfunction and developmental delays (EPA, 2023). These risks have prompted heightened scrutiny from regulators and have become a source of concern for stakeholders, including communities, developers, and businesses
Risks – PFAS Site Assessment
For stakeholders involved in real estate acquisitions, manufacturing, or land development, the potential presence of PFAS contamination represents a significant environmental business risk, particularly during site assessments. One of the key risks lies in regulatory liability. As environmental regulations tighten globally, businesses may be held responsible for investigating and remediating PFAS contamination even if the pollution predates their ownership. Failure to conduct thorough PFAS assessments during property transactions can lead to unforeseen cleanup costs, legal disputes, and reputational damage. Financial implications are also substantial. PFAS site assessments are complex and costly, requiring advanced sampling methods and laboratory analysis.
If contamination is found, long-term remediation efforts can span decades and impact property values, project timelines, and investment returns. Insurance coverage for PFAS-related issues is often limited, increasing the financial burden on businesses. Engaging a qualified environmental consultant before property acquisition activities is essential to managing these risks effectively. Early involvement is critical to conducting PFAS due diligence, including preliminary site assessments, data gap evaluations, and sampling programs, to characterize potential liabilities and provide the technical basis for informed investment decisions.
Also consider operational risks. Discovering PFAS contamination can delay permitting processes or halt development altogether. For manufacturers, it may lead to stricter discharge permits or operational constraints, affecting productivity and profitability. Industries such as chemical manufacturing, textiles, automotive, aerospace, firefighting, and wastewater treatment have been linked to PFAS use and discharge over the last years (ATSDR, 2022). In these sectors, proactive assessments help avoid regulatory surprises and support risk mitigation strategies.
Groundwater – PFAS Site Assessment
Some states have developed groundwater standards that differ from federal drinking water limits. Technically, when PFAS levels exceed drinking water thresholds but remain under state groundwater standards, delaying immediate cleanup is possible and safe. However, such findings signal potential liability, particularly as regulations evolve or litigation arises (ITRC, 2021).
Businesses are encouraged to incorporate PFAS evaluations into their environmental due diligence protocols to address PFAS-related risks proactively. Diligence includes engaging experienced environmental consultants, staying informed about evolving regulations, and transparently communicating findings with stakeholders. As legal and regulatory requirements tighten, proactive site assessment has become critical to responsible environmental management and risk reduction. These practices support compliance and contribute to long-term sustainability and organizational resilience.
PFAS Site Assessment Sources:
Meet the Authors:
Leslie P. Smith, Ph.D., PE has over 10 years of experience, and is responsible for project management and design in the environmental engineering and remediation field, which of environmental site assessments, soil and groundwater remediation design and implementation, drainage assessment plans, soil management plans, construction dewatering permitting, technical writing, includes client relations, contract management, project strategy development, regulatory interaction, e client relations, contract management, project strategy development, regulatory interaction and quality assurance. Reach out to Leslie on LinkedIn.
Natalia Marquez is responsible for project support in liquids management and environmental services. She works on diverse projects both performing field activities and soil and liquids management, remediation, environmental assessments, data management, and technical writing. Natalia has also acted as Assistant Project Manager on complex projects managing field activities, scheduling, and reporting. Reach out to Natalia on LinkedIn.
On September 17, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the next steps regarding regulatory efforts to address the cleanup of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). In the press release, EPA Administrator Zeldin said, “…we will need new statutory language from Congress to fully address our concerns with passive receiver liability.”
CERCLA imposes broad, retroactive, and potentially costly strict liability on those who release hazardous substances to the environment. This liability can sometimes attach to entities that did not manufacture or generate the substance but received it in feedstocks, products, or landfilled waste. The EPA refers to these entities as “passive receivers.” Members of Congress received testimony and input from various industries, including private and municipal landfills, and passed it to the EPA, which intends to continue working with Congress. No workshops or additional input forums were announced.
The major concern for passive PFOA and PFOS contamination receivers, including local municipalities and service providers, is potentially passing decontamination costs onto ratepayers, taxpayers, and consumers. EPA will continue to collect information on its costs and benefits, but feels the best solution to this issue is a statutory fix to protect passive receivers from liability.
For now, EPA is retaining the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) hazardous substance designation for PFOA and PFOS and will initiate future rulemaking to establish a uniform framework governing the designation of hazardous substances under section 102(a) of CERCLA moving forward. The current rule mandates reporting of releases of one pound or more of PFOA or PFOS within 24 hours. It designates Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane sulfonic Acid (PFOS) as CERCLA hazardous substances. See 42 U.S.C §9602; Docket EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0341.
According to the EPA, a CERCLA section 102(a) Framework Rule would provide a uniform approach to guide future hazardous substance designations, including how the agency will consider the costs of proposed designations. Section 102(a) gives the EPA authority to designate additional hazardous substances beyond those listed under the other statutes referenced in CERCLA (the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act). Once finalized, the 102(a) Framework Rule would provide a uniform approach for future designations.
In response to the EPA’s August 26, 2022, proposed rule to list PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances, numerous comments were submitted requesting that the final CERCLA HS rule include exemptions or similar liability relief for passive receivers that did not generate the chemicals – e.g., landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, and water supply systems.
Background
EPA’s May 8, 2024, final CERCLA HS rule did not provide an exemption. However, EPA’s April 19, 2024, Memorandum entitled “PFAS Enforcement Discretion and Settlement Policy Under CERCLA” outlines enforcement discretion considerations for the following entities:
(1) Community water systems and publicly owned treatment works (POTWs)
(2) Municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s);
(3) Publicly owned/operated municipal solid waste landfills;
(4) Publicly owned airports and local fire departments; and
(5) Farms where biosolids are applied to the land.
Despite the enforcement discretion policy, some passive receivers were disappointed that the agency did not provide stronger liability protection. Based on EPA’s September 2025 press release (above), EPA now plans to take a closer look at the issue, including the possibility of providing a statutory fix to protect passive receivers from liability.
If you have questions regarding this rule, please get in touch with SCS Engineers.
SCS Engineers is proud to take part in Engineering Career Night at Messiah University.
This event provides students the opportunity to network with industry professionals, attend targeted workshops, and explore career paths across engineering disciplines. Join us in Brubaker Auditorium at the Eisenhower Campus Complex to connect with our team and learn more about internships, co-ops, and full-time roles with SCS Engineers.
At SCS, we combine engineering expertise with a passion for sustainability—delivering innovative solutions in solid waste management, renewable energy, remediation, and infrastructure. We look forward to meeting students who are ready to plan their careers and make an impact in their communities.
SCS Engineers is excited to attend Day 2 of the upcoming career fair focused on Architecture, Construction, and Structural Design and Engineering roles!
With more than 50 years of experience, SCS provides innovative environmental engineering and consulting services in solid waste management, renewable energy, remediation, and sustainable infrastructure. We’re looking forward to connecting with students and alumni across 11 colleges and 190+ degree programs who are eager to explore careers that combine engineering expertise with real-world impact.
Join us on Day 2 to learn more about internships, Co-Op placements, and full-time opportunities at SCS Engineers. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or preparing for your next step, you’ll find exciting ways to grow your career while making a positive difference for communities and the environment.
Join SCS Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville 2025 Fall Career & Internship/Co-op Fair September 24, 2025. Session 1: 9 a.m.–noon | Session 2: 3–6 p.m. Register now!
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