1. We are WSP
  2. What we do
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  4. Investigating PFAS & forever chemicals at a UK airport

We were commissioned to support a UK airport with renewal of its environmental permit, with a focus on implementing the requirements of a condition to understand the presence of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) and forever chemicals across the airport. The ultimate aim of this was to reduce the presence of PFAS in surface water discharges.

Location

  • United Kingdom

A land contamination management approach

Initially, we carried out a desk-based assessment of the potential sources of PFAS and evaluation of existing sampling data to identify potential areas of concern. In addition, we undertook targeted ground investigation and further sampling in areas of concern. We carried out evaluation of options which could reduce the load of PFAS and forever chemicals entering the site's discharge network (for example soil and groundwater remediation, as well as operational controls etc). Additionally, a long-term management plan will be developed, which will form part of the overall operational management processes at the airport.

Bringing measurable benefits to the airport’s objectives

Two of the airport’s strategic objectives are to run the airport responsibly and improve operations. The PFAS work brings measurable benefits to these objectives, including:

  • A detailed understanding of historical uses of PFAS at the airport to conceptualise potential hotspots requiring action. This enabled removing sources of PFAS from operational activities to prevent future emissions into the environment. 
  • Reducing the PFAS load into the surrounding environment through implementing reasonable measures undertaken within the overall regional context. 
  • Controlled management of potential PFAS hotspots located across the airport via the implementation of the Long-Term Management Plan.  
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Understanding the presence of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS)

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Implementing principals of land contamination management

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Developing a long-term management plan

Supporting an industry-wide challenge

Externally, the absence of clear regulatory direction in the UK and the continuing emergence of new understanding of risk and potential remediation technologies present a significant challenge across all industries to develop clear strategies for managing PFAS as a contaminant.  However, by continuing to implement and drive forward the PFAS workscope, WSP is supporting the airport to be seen as a leader in demonstrating implementation of best practice for management of PFAS and forever chemicals.

The main challenges in delivering the PFAS work were the requirements to work airside in an operational environment where aircraft movements cannot be disrupted, as well as the heavily congested nature of a mature operational airport with above and below ground infrastructure. WSP is working with the airport to take advantage of existing infrastructure projects into which PFAS remediation can be incorporated to reduce time, cost, and disruption.

Other challenges that we have overcome