Defence has updated the PFAS Construction and Maintenance Framework. Feedback on the framework was sought from a range of stakeholders.
Key focus area and changes include:
- updates in consideration of the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan 3.0, Defence and other government policy
- reduced duplication and ambiguity
- refined structure to improve usability
- refined soil categories and associated management options
- guidance on reuse risk assessment requirements for soil, water, as well as construction and demolition waste
- consideration of feedback received on 2021 PFAS Construction and Maintenance Framework.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manufactured chemical contaminants. These chemicals are found in soil, water and some construction and demolition waste on many Defence bases.
The Defence PFAS Construction and Maintenance Framework should be referenced before commencing work on the Defence estate for detailed requirements related to the sampling, testing and management of PFAS.
Planning for PFAS testing and management of PFAS-contaminated soil and water is required for all maintenance and construction work on the Defence estate and must be adequately funded by the relevant projects.
Testing
If a project is anticipated to disturb soil or water, a check for PFAS contamination is required. Sampling must be conducted on the project sites in accordance with the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999.
An impact assessment and risk assessment may also be required to establish a site’s suitability for current or future use and any risks to human health and the environment.
Defence PFAS site investigation reports and contacts per location are available for reference by estate works project teams.
Soil and water management
If a project site is confirmed to be contaminated by PFAS, the soil and water likely to be disturbed by the project must be managed in accordance with the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan and other national and state environmental management guidelines as published by:
- the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- the National Environment Protection Council
- each state/territory environmental protection authority (or equivalent).
Refer to the following information outlined in the Defence PFAS Construction and Maintenance Framework:
- management of natural soil and fill material – chapter 5
- management of environmental water – chapter 6
- management of construction and demolition water – chapter 7.
The options and approvals for the transport and disposal of contaminated soil or water must be sought from the relevant state/territory environmental protection authority. Note: environmental water may be treated on-site using an existing Defence water treatment plant, where one is available.
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