New expertise to take away PFAS from the atmosphere might be trialled in Jervis Bay subsequent yr and, if profitable, might be rolled out at different contaminated websites throughout Australia.
Key factors:
- New expertise that would take away PFAS from the atmosphere might be trialled at Jervis Bay
- Components of Jervis Bay are contaminated by PFAS chemical compounds utilized in firefighting foams on defence bases
- If profitable, the expertise might be rolled out at different PFAS contaminated websites throughout the nation
The Division of Defence has been investigating a spread of potential mitigation strategies to assist handle PFAS that was present in firefighting foams used on defence bases across the nation, which has now leaked off the bases into surrounding areas.
The division has entered right into a contract with Photon Power to trial nano-remediation expertise, which might break down PFAS within the atmosphere.
How would this expertise work?
PFAS is very steady within the atmosphere, making it troublesome to take away or break down, nonetheless that’s what this expertise is able to, in accordance with the division.
“That is an in-situ expertise, which implies it treats PFAS with out eradicating water or soil from the atmosphere,” a spokesperson mentioned.
“The design section of the trial is at present underway and defence expects website works and set up of the tools to start on the finish of 2020.”
The director of Photon Water, Petr Kvapil, mentioned the idea was globally distinctive.
“Now we have been efficiently making use of our in-situ nano-remediation expertise to websites affected by numerous and complicated pollution worldwide,” Mr Kvapil mentioned.
Neighborhood nonetheless ready for solutions
An investigation into PFAS contamination at Jervis Bay brought on by foams used on the HMAS Creswell Navy base and the close by bombing vary has been underway since 2016.
A remaining investigation report and a administration plan have been due out in March this yr, however haven’t but been launched.
Defence mentioned this was on account of COVID-19.
Residents of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal group have been suggested by the EPA to not eat seafood from Mary’s Creek close to their city, which was as soon as a significant meals supply.
Many have additionally been apprehensive about ingesting the water, though defence mentioned the quantity of PFAS within the water provide was inside secure tips for ingesting.
In its newest replace, the division mentioned the nano-remediation system can be trialled to scale back PFAS in Mary’s Creek from subsequent yr.
A spokesperson additionally mentioned the ultimate investigation stories and administration plan can be revealed earlier than the top of the yr.
The spokesperson mentioned additional group session can be scheduled with the Wreck Bay group and there can be ongoing monitoring of the scenario for a number of years.
