Onondaga County

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County successfully convened regional partners on Tuesday, September 8, for a full-day forum focused on PFAS and emerging contaminants, bringing together leading scientists, engineers, legal experts, and industry representatives at the OnCenter. The event underscored the County’s commitment to coordinating regional expertise and strengthening the environmental foundations needed to support responsible growth.

County Executive J. Ryan McMahon opened the convening by emphasizing the importance of aligning science, policy, and economic development as the region navigates the evolving PFAS landscape. He highlighted the County’s role in creating space for collaboration, ensuring stakeholders have access to the latest research and emerging technologies.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Today’s convening showcased the collective strength of our region.” McMahon continued, “By bringing together top researchers and industry leaders, we’re building the partnerships necessary to advance PFAS solutions and support innovation across Central New York.”

Throughout the afternoon, attendees heard presentations from academic researchers at Cornell University, Clarkson University, and SUNY ESF/Jacobs, along with leaders in environmental law and wastewater management. Topics included the state of PFAS science, monitoring and detection breakthroughs, regulatory developments, destruction technologies, and innovation pathways that will shape future management strategies.

Key presentations included:

• Dan Rourke (NYWEA) – Provided a comprehensive overview of PFAS, outlining its components,
  environmental behavior, and challenges faced by water and wastewater systems;
• Kirstin Etela (West Group Law) – Discussed PFAS in the chemical industry and the changing regulatory landscape influencing compliance and operational risk;
• Dr. Damian Helbling (Cornell University) and Dr. Silvana Andreescu (Clarkson University) – Shared advancements in detection technologies, including new methods for identifying contaminants in environmental and industrial settings;
• Dr. Silvana Andreescu (Clarkson University) – Professor of Chemistry and Bioanalytical Chemistry;
• Dr. Michelle Crimi (Clarkson University) – Presented current findings on PFAS destruction processes within industrial applications;
• Scott Grieco (Jacobs / SUNY ESF) – Highlighted innovation strategies and long-term goals for regional PFAS reduction and management.

During the closing session, County leadership reiterated the importance of continuing this momentum. They underscored the need for sustained collaboration between industry, academia, and government, and identified next steps for regional coordination, including working groups and future convenings.

The event represents a significant step forward in the region’s work to understand and address PFAS while supporting responsible growth in key technology and manufacturing sectors.

Onondaga County will continue to facilitate conversations and partnerships that advance scientific insight, safeguard environmental health, and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.