Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) contamination has been found in the construction spoil of many major projects, and there is growing concern about the health and environmental implications of these “forever” chemicals. In a context where construction and tunneling have experienced substantial growth, Australia and other countries are still developing their PFAS management. This study used convergent interviews to surface the key common issues that are associated with the management of PFAS contamination in the construction industry. The construction industry appears stuck in their ways and extremely financially driven. Regulation is not working because of poor enforcement and policing from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA could look to employ individuals with more construction industry experience in order to become a strong regulator in the industry, as well as to streamlining decision-making processes, while maintaining quality. To speed up changes in the management of PFASs within the construction industry, large organizations could be targeted by the relevant sustainability rating scheme, and there could be further use of the alliance models to research, develop, and implement PFAS treatment methods.
Highlights
Starting at the top and middle, the results note the infrastructure construction boom and the need to address polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) contamination, that which is due to the reliance on tunneling
With the increasing concerns about PFASs in construction, this study surfaced the key issues impacting the management of PFAS contamination, for infrastructure construction involving tunneling
With a historical lack of guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the management of PFASs, and a continual increase in the volume of the contaminated soil being uncovered, it is the responsibility of the contractor to find a process to remediate or appropriately dispose of the contaminated spoil
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are a chemical family that is hailed as a major breakthrough because of the pronounced ability of the compounds to repel water, dirt, and grease, as well as its ability to produce an extremely high level of temperature resistance by forming a film that surrounds other compounds [1]. Once PFAS substances are in soils, they remain there forever and, they are often called “forever chemicals” [2]. Countries around the world have been taking steps to manage PFASs, they are still working towards an inventory of PFASs around the globe [3].
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