How PFAS affects land quality – and what you can do about it
The ongoing threat of PFAS
PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are currently a hot topic in many industries, from drinking water and waste management to fire safety.
The sheer difficulty of removing these chemicals and their potential effects on population health mean immediate action must be taken to stop their introduction to the environment, identify where they are and remove them where possible.
PFAS’ resistance to natural degradation makes them a particular concern in land quality assessments. They can contaminate groundwater, surface water, and soil. And as a result, can affect soil health, be absorbed by crops, and pose a significant risk to the general public.
This issue impacts both land sale and development. Developers are increasingly required to include PFAS in risk and cost management assessments. Insurers are in some cases refusing to cover PFAS as part of their environmental packages. And regulations are continually evolving, creating an uncertain future landscape in terms of where responsibilities lie.
Where do PFAS in land come from?
PFAS come from a variety of sources.
One of the primary sources is firefighting foams. This is an especially pertinent issue at training sites, airports, military bases, and chemical production plants, which is where a lot of Haskoning’s work in this area takes place. You can read more about what’s being done to address this issue in our blog about PFAS in fire safety.
The use of sewage sludge in agriculture is another one, as are the chemicals released from industrial sites that enter the land through wastewater and by air.
For land owners, there are legal responsibilities and a duty of care for this contamination, which makes prioritising awareness and taking action important to limit the consequences.
Responsibilities include reducing the spread of contamination, adapting certain business processes to that end, applying soil protection measures, and carrying out monitoring and remediation practices.
So how do you know where to begin?
PFAS are used in a lot of processes and are present everywhere. We have to act now to minimize risks for ourselves and our environment.
How to tackle PFAS in soil
The best way to start is by conducting preliminary investigations to identify locations that may contain PFAS contamination. This could include the sites of chemical fires, fire training grounds, areas where pesticides have been used, and so on.
Once these sites are identified, exploratory soil research should be conducted to evaluate the extent of contamination. It’s also crucial to trace PFAS quantities back to source locations. Delineating the contamination might be needed as a second phase.
The next step is to assess and oversee the best-fit remediation plans for these sites. This can include the excavation of a site – removing, cleaning, and disposing of contaminated soil – but there are other options.
Soil washing can remove PFAS and transfer them into a waste stream. Thermal treatment can eradicate PFAS entirely, although it is expensive and carries a large carbon footprint. It’s also possible to conduct processes that will immobilise PFAS in soil and prevent them from entering groundwater.
The best approach will always depend on individual context. And as this is still an issue that is only beginning to be broached, research will continue into the best ways to treat PFAS.
Get expert guidance – and a long-term plan
At Haskoning, we’re dedicated to keeping up with the latest trends and technologies so we can always help you find the right approach for your site. Our end-to-end service includes all kinds of required services like preliminary surveys, soil investigations, lab work, field work, groundwater modelling, remediation plans, and environmental supervision or management of the remediation itself.Alongside landowners, industries, government agencies, and consultancies, our experts are members of the bodies that currently develop protocols for PFAS investigation, helping to establish guidelines and legislation that will shape the future.
We regularly work with the Central Government Real Estate Agency to help tackle land quality issues at military bases and other locations. But our work also extends to the private sector, including chemical industry sites which are a major source of contamination.
If you’d like help understanding and exploring your options, and establishing a long-term plan for a PFAS-free future, get in touch.
The uncertainty regarding policy developments, strict standards, and limited remediation techniques mean a lot of innovation and research will be necessary in the coming years.
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