News stories about PFAS, the “forever chemical”, have been popping up in the news again lately, specifically in connection with the safety of drinking water.
So, what is PFAS? Where does it come from? And what is Tellus doing to tackle the issue?
Let’s unpack these questions.
PFAS — per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances — is a group of synthetic chemicals used in consumer products for many decades. PFAS waste arises in numerous applications, including the manufacture of products that can resist heat, oil, grease and water. This includes a wide range of clothing, food-packaging and non-stick cooking surfaces. PFAS cannot easily break down in the environment, resulting in air and water contamination, and a risk to human health.
The United States has seen a tsunami of PFAS litigation. With defendants including oil refiners, cosmetics businesses, packaging producers, retailers and fast-food chains. Even certain waste management methods for PFAS – like incineration and thermal treatment – have been subject to lawsuits.
In recent years there have been court cases with settlements in the tens of billions of dollars. In Australia, too, court cases have been brought against government and private companies based on the production, management and storage of PFAS.
Tellus’ solution for PFAS
Tellus is involved in cleanups of PFAS contaminated sites across Australia. We have successfully and safely disposed tens of thousands of tonnes of PFAS-contaminated soil, sludges and liquids at Sandy Ridge.
Uniquely, our solution can accept PFAS waste that is co-contaminated with other challenging compounds like hydrocarbons and asbestos. This makes Tellus’ geological repository at Sandy Ridge the ideal final destination for PFAS-contaminated waste from across Australia.
The ABC’s 7:30 program examined PFAS and its risks last week
Cover image by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography