Emerging contaminant education: PFAS 101 now live

RPS Principal Environmental Scientist, Dr Karl Bowles has contributed to the development of new contamination management training modules for peak industry body the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA).

ALGA’s PFAS 101 training is designed for environmental agency staff, consultants, engineers and site managers who want to improve their understanding of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS).

Drawing on extensive experience across some of the region’s largest PFAS investigation and remediation programs for government and the private sector, and his ongoing work on scientific studies for this emerging contaminant class, Karl has played a leading role in the technical review of several modules.

PFAS chemicals have been used in industrial and consumer products for decades, but as more is revealed about the potential risks to environmental and human health, PFAS research and remediation has gained significant momentum.

‘As part of the Emerging Contaminants Interest Group, I work with other industry specialists to help demystify the complexity of PFAS contamination for ALGA’s wide membership,’ said Karl.

‘Our knowledge of how these chemicals enter the environment and the impacts that PFAS contamination can have is evolving rapidly. The more we understand as an industry, the better we can deal with these issues and mitigate the risks.

‘It’s a great initiative by ALGA to develop this program and it’s been a pleasure to be involved as a technical reviewer.’   

ALGA’s PFAS 101 modules cover all aspects of environmental PFAS management including:

• Introduction to emerging contaminants
• PFAS - key issues, guidance and developing a PFAS CSM
• Site investigation
• Laboratory analysis
• Human health risk assessment
• Ecological risk assessment
• Remediation and disposal
• Recent advances
• Community engagement and stakeholder management.

More information about the training modules is available on the Australasian Land & Groundwater Website: landandgroundwater.com/event/pfas-101

Get in touch with Karl and read more about his work on PFAS contamination here>>

About RPS

Founded in 1970, RPS, A Tetra Tech Company (RPS) is a leading global professional services firm of 5,000 consultants and service providers. Operating in 125 countries, working across six continents we define, design and manage projects that create shared value to a complex, urbanising and resource-scarce world.

RPS delivers a broad range of services in six sectors: property, energy, transport, water, defence and government services and resources. Services provided across RPS' six sectors cover twelve service clusters: project and program management, design and development, water services, environment, advisory and management consulting, exploration and development, planning and approvals, health, safety and risk, oceans and coastal, laboratories, training and communications, creative and digital services.

RPS stands out for its clients by using its deep expertise to solve problems that matter, making them easy to understand. Making complex easy.

For further information, please visit www.rpsgroup.com.