Soils are referred to as contaminated when the concentration of contaminant is usually higher than the ambient concentrations. There may be naturally elevated concentration of contaminants while in most of the cases, there is an apparent source of contamination (point source).
PFAS Investigations
PFAS refers to Per & Poly Fluorinated Alkyl Substance which is a group of long chain fluorinated organic compounds used in various industrial applications. Australia and other leading nations have banned the usage of the PFAS containing chemicals.
PFAS is a family of chemicals including PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate). The strong fluorine-carbon bond made it a good industrial chemical for various uses including as a fire retardant, carpet cleaners, non-stick cookware etc.
Due to its strong bond, it does not readily break down in the environment and can be found in soils, groundwater and sediments even after prolonged time period. The highly soluble nature of the chemical enables it to travel far in the water medium causing offsite migration issues.
The Head of the EPAs have published guidelines including health and ecological criteria for soils and water used for various purposes and is continuing to develop the guidelines. Although experimental animal studies indicate bioaccumulation of PFAS compounds in their system leading to various systemic effects such as digestive, immune and nervous systems and effect on organs, no clear human health risk is established. However, Australian Government is careful in managing the unknown risks this chemical compound could pose and is taking efforts in a conservative manner as a proactive measure.
Consultants at K2 Consulting Group have been working in the forefront of PFAS investigations and can assist our Clients in PFAS contaminated site investigation, monitoring and remediation of PFAS in soils and groundwater. We follow the various phases of contaminated land investigation as outlined in the NEPM 2013 in addition the NEMP 2018 guidelines.
Call us to discuss your scenario if you suspect PFAS contamination in current site that you would like to talk to or in a property that you are planning to buy. All matters are treated confidentially.
Our Services
Environmental Assessment
Consultants at K2 Consulting Group are trained and experienced in the assessment and management of contaminated soils and groundwater. Our quick, effective and practical approach in contamination management puts us at the forefront of today’s emerging contamination management market.
GroundWater
Soils are referred to as contaminated when the concentration of contaminant is usually higher than the ambient concentrations. There may be naturally elevated concentration of contaminants while in most of the cases, there is an apparent source of contamination (point source).
Waste Classification Services
Consultants at K2 Consulting Group undertake a systematic and exhaustive approach in classifying soils, as it can be a huge savings to the project if lesser quantity is sent to the landfill or waste recovery centre, while still meeting the regulations.
Vapour Intrusion Investigation
K2 Consulting Group utilises best-practice planning, collection, analysis and conduct human health risk assessment and site screening. K2 Consulting Group’s team of expert engineers ensure that regulatory requirements are met so that stakeholder risks are understood.
Acid Sulphate Soil
When Acid Sulfate Soils can be detrimental to the environment when exposed to atmospheric air through anthropogenic activities (excavation for construction purposes etc) or natural means (drainage of groundwater).
PFAS Investigations
PFAS refers to Per & Poly Fluorinated Alkyl Substance which is a group of long chain fluorinated organic compounds used in various industrial applications. Australia and other leading nations have banned the usage of the PFAS containing chemicals.
Environmental Consultants
Consultants at K2 Consulting Group are qualified lead auditors in Environmental Management Systems – ISO 14001:2015, Management Systems Auditing – ISO 19011:2018. We can assist your organisation in identifying various environmental risks.