AECOM deploys large-scale field demo of DE-FLUORO technology

AECOM, an infrastructure consulting firm, said it celebrated a key milestone in Melbourne, Australia, with the unveiling of its first large-scale field demonstration of DE-FLUORO, an economically and environmentally sustainable treatment technology that destroys Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals from contaminated liquids without generating hazardous waste. Previously, PFAS in contaminated groundwater or liquids were either stockpiled or incinerated at a huge cost. AECOM’s DE-FLUORO solution can be set up onsite and eliminates PFAS-concentrated liquids in a sustainable and cost-effective way. Unlike existing treatment technologies, DE-FLUORO offers a complete PFAS destruction solution by applying AECOM’s proprietary electrodes through electrochemical oxidation. The initial pilot program will be focused on undertaking destruction programs on Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) stockpiles and multiple PFAS impacted waste streams within Australia. Since 2001, AECOM has helped clients to understand and remediate PFAS contamination and the firm has worked on over 300 PFAS projects, including environmental and human health-risk investigations in Australia at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales and the Army Aviation Centre Oakey in Queensland. “We are excited to celebrate the launch of the first large-scale pilot DE-FLUORO unit, which is the culmination of a multi-year global collaboration and innovation effort jointly led by our Australian and United States PFAS teams,” said Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president. “PFAS contamination is one of the biggest environmental concerns we are facing today and after several years helping our clients to understand the human and environmental impacts of PFAS contamination, our teams took action to develop a market-leading solution that would eliminate one of the world’s most challenging contaminants from our communities. This is a powerful example of the positive environmental and social impact that we can deliver when we think and act globally.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]