GHD supported ACT Government by undertaking staged assessments of PFAS impacts

ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) identified nine sites that had potential for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. The sites were located in metropolitan areas with variety of surrounding land uses including residential, primary schools to commercial and industrial uses. ACT Government required an assessment of the sites and surrounding areas to understand if there were PFAS impacts and the nature and extent of contamination, and provision of interim and long term management advice for the lands. 

GHD supported ACT Government by undertaking staged assessments of PFAS impacts on the sites and surrounding area. Our technical responsibilities for the project include:

• Conducting preliminary site investigations (PSI) of the potential PFAS sources, and developing a preliminary conceptual site model for each of the nine sites.
• Preparing sampling, analysis and quality plans (SAQP) and undertaking targeted site investigations to detailed site investigation (DSI) on and off-site, which involved collecting samples of various media including concrete, soil, sediment, surface water, groundwater and biota to characterise the extent of PFAS contamination in the environment.
• Preparing interim Site Management Plans (SMP) to document management measures to reduce risk of exposure from land users while further assessments were conducted.
• Generating human health and ecological risk assessments (as applicable).
• Attending community engagement sessions and preparation fact sheets/posters for community distribution.
• Development of Remedial Action Plans (RAP) for sites requiring remediation.
• Coordination with stakeholders and site supervision of RAP implementation.
• Validation of the remedial work and preparation of the validation report
• Provision of SMPs to document the ongoing procedures to manage remedial measures, monitoring requirements or triggers for change.

GHD has worked collaboratively with ACT Government and other stakeholders, and prepared a range of tailored technical documents to support the ongoing management of the sites. Provision of services to enable proactive stakeholder engagement pre, during and post completion of keys phases of investigation, remediation and ongoing management. All our reports have been peer reviewed by ACT-approved Site Auditor to ensure that the works have been conducted in accordance with Commonwealth and Territory guidelines.