A new product is being developed by the Institute of Engineers Australia which aims to prevent PFAS chemical run-off from contaminated sites such as the Williamtown RAAF base.
The Institute of Engineers is working to combat the PFC chemical itself, which is recalcitrant and does not break down. The product, in its testing stage, is designed to create an impermeable barrier to prevent the chemicals in firefighting foams from leaking into waterways in the event of rainfall.
Institute of Engineers Australia Fellow Grant Scott explains, “The product looks to be able to spray on or put on as a paste on firefighting forecourts and encapsulate the contaminant so that it does not leech out and get into these environments; it is contained and controlled.”
It has been 18 months since the revelation of perfluorinated chemical contamination stemming from the use of firefighting foams in the Williamtown area.
A Commonwealth Department of Defence health risk assessment report was released in late 2016, however the full effects of PFAS contimation are still being studied.
The Institute hopes to complete product testing in approximately two months.
Image source: ABC Newcastle
