Minnesota is bringing in “state-of-the-art technology” to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from contaminated water in the east metro, pollution control officials announced Monday.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the new tech will be deployed this fall as part of ongoing work to address PFAS contamination, which affects the drinking water for around 174,000 residents.

“This pilot project marks the beginning of a new era for PFAS clean-up in Minnesota,” said MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler. “This study will help us address PFAS contamination at the source and develop long-term solutions for cleaner water – ensuring safe drinking water for Minnesotans. We hope to eventually employ this technology around the state including in Greater Minnesota, where PFAS is a growing concern.”

Officials say the process works in two parts. A surface activated foam fractionation, or SAFF, will inject outside air into contaminated water, which will turn PFAS into foam that can be separated from the water.