A WORLD-FIRST TECHNOLOGY FOR PFAS
BEN ROWORTH, CHARLES GRIMISON, IAN BROOKMAN, JOHN CAMPBELL, JOHN LUCAS, NATHAN NAGLE, RAY THOMPSON
WHAT IS PFAS
Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, encompass a family of chemical compounds introduced into common household and industrial products in the 1950s and used extensively in firefighting foams from the 1970s.
PFAS are often found in high concentrations in soil and groundwater around Defence bases, emergency services facilities and airports where fire-training activities have occurred.
But PFAS chemicals don’t occur in nature and cannot be broken down by natural processes. Therein lies the problem and why they have been dubbed the ‘forever chemicals’.
Our Environmental Services team is leading the way in developing advanced methods to remove and treat PFAS contaminated soil and water.
A prime example of ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’ – our PFAS team draws on the skills and talents of the individuals in the team. Collectively, they have elevated Ventia’s reputation as a leader in the field for successfully delivering PFAS site remediation outcomes.
Our team has developed strong connections with a wide range of key stakeholders in the PFAS space, including university R&D departments, the CSIRO, and suppliers of technologies and analytical services.
The culmination of this team effort has been the construction and commissioning of a PFAS soil treatment. The first of its kind in the world, it will provide the industry with a cost-effective, scientifically-proven option for the treatment of PFAS-impacted ‘source-zones’.
Led by Technical Manager Charles Grimison, he said, “It’s an exciting and evolving area. As a team, we feel a sense of responsibility to push the boundaries in effectively treating this emerging contaminant.”
Charles continued, “With the potential to be involved in some of the biggest PFAS rehabilitation projects in Australia, our team has the potential to influence how PFAS remediation is handled around Australia.”
