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Cleaning up Forever Chemicals in Construction: Informing Industry Change

Author

Listed:
  • Kurt Chamberlain

    (Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Bethanie Storey

    (Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Jayden Brown

    (Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Scott Rayburg

    (Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • John Rodwell

    (Department of Management & Marketing, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Melissa Neave

    (School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia)

Abstract

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) contamination has been found in the construction spoil of many major projects, and there is growing concern about the health and environmental implications of these “forever” chemicals. In a context where construction and tunneling have experienced substantial growth, Australia and other countries are still developing their PFAS management. This study used convergent interviews to surface the key common issues that are associated with the management of PFAS contamination in the construction industry. The construction industry appears stuck in their ways and extremely financially driven. Regulation is not working because of poor enforcement and policing from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA could look to employ individuals with more construction industry experience in order to become a strong regulator in the industry, as well as to streamlining decision-making processes, while maintaining quality. To speed up changes in the management of PFASs within the construction industry, large organizations could be targeted by the relevant sustainability rating scheme, and there could be further use of the alliance models to research, develop, and implement PFAS treatment methods.

Suggested Citation

  • Kurt Chamberlain & Bethanie Storey & Jayden Brown & Scott Rayburg & John Rodwell & Melissa Neave, 2022. "Cleaning up Forever Chemicals in Construction: Informing Industry Change," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:5:p:2854-:d:761658
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lara Thynne & John Rodwell, 2019. "Diagnostic Convergent Interviewing to Inform Redesign Toward Sustainable Work Systems for Paramedics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-12, July.
    2. Kerry Griffiths & Carol Boyle & Theunis F. P. Henning, 2018. "Beyond the Certification Badge—How Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Tools Impact on Individual, Organizational, and Industry Practice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-16, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maddison Seeley & Hamish Hede & Mitchell Bylart & John Rodwell, 2023. "Diagnosing the Institutional Forces Impacting Australia’s Aerial Firefighting Capability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-15, January.

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