Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Summary
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been widely used in industrial processes, consumer products and firefighting foams. PFAS are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in soil, groundwater and surface water, making them a significant contaminant of concern in contaminated land investigations.
PFAS are commonly encountered at sites with a history of firefighting foam use, industrial activity or waste disposal and are subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny in Australia.
Definition
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large group of synthetic fluorinated compounds characterised by strong carbon–fluorine bonds. These bonds make PFAS resistant to breakdown, leading to their persistence in the environment.
Common PFAS compounds include PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS, although many other related substances exist. PFAS are mobile in water and can migrate through soil and groundwater over long distances.
Why PFAS Matter
From an environmental perspective, PFAS contamination can affect soil, groundwater, surface water and ecosystems. Due to their persistence and mobility, PFAS impacts may extend well beyond the original source area.
From a human health perspective, exposure pathways may include ingestion of contaminated water, contact with contaminated soil or consumption of affected produce or livestock. As a result, PFAS contamination is often assessed using conservative risk frameworks.
PFAS also present significant regulatory and planning challenges. Their presence can trigger requirements for investigation, ongoing monitoring, land-use restrictions or remediation. PFAS-related issues can affect development feasibility, transaction value and long-term site management.
Common Sources of PFAS Contamination
PFAS contamination is commonly associated with:
Use of firefighting foams at airports, defence sites and industrial facilities
Fire training grounds and emergency response areas
Industrial manufacturing or processing sites
Waste disposal and landfilling
Sites receiving contaminated fill or wastewater
Understanding site history is critical for identifying PFAS risk.
When PFAS Are Typically Assessed
Assessment of PFAS is commonly required where:
A Preliminary or Detailed Site Investigation is undertaken
Groundwater contamination is suspected or identified
Development is proposed on land with known PFAS risk
Environmental due diligence identifies potential PFAS exposure
Regulatory authorities request PFAS assessment or monitoring
PFAS assessment is typically risk-based and informed by site use and receptors.
Legislative and Regulatory Context
PFAS are managed under contaminated land and environmental protection frameworks.
In New South Wales, PFAS assessment and management is guided by EPA and national guidance documents, with regulators requiring investigation and risk assessment where PFAS may pose a risk to human health or the environment. Similar approaches apply across other Australian jurisdictions.
Regulatory expectations continue to evolve as scientific understanding of PFAS develops.
How We Can Help
Confluence Environmental assesses PFAS as part of contaminated land, groundwater and environmental assessment projects.
Our services typically include:
PFAS risk screening and investigation design
Soil and groundwater sampling and analysis
Interpretation of results against applicable guidance
Advice on management, monitoring or remediation options
Reporting to support planning approvals and regulatory engagement
We focus on providing clear, defensible advice aligned with current regulatory expectations.
Related Terms and Concepts
Contaminated Land
Groundwater Investigation
Groundwater Monitoring
Environmental Site Assessment
Environmental Due Diligence
Remediation Action Plan
Site Validation