Safe Removal of AFFF concentrate and storage from Chemical Plant

The decommissioning of the chemical plant involved the safe disposal AFFF liquids and storage containers, both known to be highly contaminated with PFAS.

PFAS

Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds are a large group of widely used, industrially produced chemicals that accumulate in the human body and the environment and have proven negative impacts on public health.

Due to the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS, it was essential that all disposal activities were conducted in strict accordance with ethical practices and regulatory requirements. This included full compliance with the NSW EPA standards and other applicable state regulations. Effective execution required precise project management and coordinated stakeholder engagement to maintain strict regulatory compliance and ensure safety at every stage.

To ensure the safe disposal of AFFF concentrate and storage containers, a comprehensive solution was implemented.

The process began with a thorough assessment of the AFFF inventory and the identification of the most suitable licensed and regulated facilities for disposal. Dedicated project management, safety, and environmental plans were developed to oversee the entire process and were reviewed with customers and subcontractors. 

The team devised a detailed disposal plan, which included first pumping out the AFFF concentrate using a vacuum truck and transporting it to designated facilities for treatment. Subsequently, all contaminated containers were moved to a laydown area onsite before being lifted and transported with a Hiab to licensed facilities for destruction.