Indigenous-owned Fire and Test Australasia has partnered with STAR Water, a leading Sydney-based environmental technology company, to address the escalating crisis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination across Australia.
Robert Lancaster of Fire and Test Australasia (FTA), a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned and operated aggregator of technology solutions, explained the capabilities of the new technology.
"STAR Water's natural filtration systems treat surface stormwater runoff, including PFAS, jet fuels, diesel fuel, and other mobile contaminants, capturing valuable water for non-potable reuse," Mr Lancaster said.
"Porous hardstand areas act like sponges, allowing PFAS to migrate through and contaminate soils and waterways.
"The patented Ambiolock range addresses this by reducing moisture migration through hardstand areas, thereby mitigating the spread of PFAS."
Recent testing data from an active hardstand site in North Queensland demonstrated that Ambiolock achieved a 97.8 per cent reduction in PFAS leaching.
By combining efforts, the partnership leverages FTA's licensed Ambiolock stabilisation and surface protection technology alongside STAR Water's advanced biofiltration systems.
This collaboration aims to mitigate the spread of contamination and reduce existing PFAS levels.
STAR Water chief executive, Chris Rochfort, said urgent action is needed to protect communities and the environment.
"Our collaboration with FTA can help fight this crisis and safeguard the health of all Australians," Mr Rochfort said.
Recognising the need for innovative solutions, STAR Water has developed a world-leading biofiltration technology utilising its patented Reactive Filter Media (RFM).
Studies conducted by the University of Newcastle have demonstrated that STAR Water's RFM can remove approximately 70 per cent of PFOS in a single pass through the filter.
PFAS contamination has emerged as a significant environmental and public health concern nationwide.
Linked to adverse effects such as immune system suppression, elevated cholesterol levels, hormone disruption and certain cancers, PFAS chemicals have been detected at high levels in Sydney's water filtration plants, firefighter training grounds, and defence force bases.
The discovery of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in deceased platypuses across eastern Australia has intensified fears of widespread contamination.
STAR Water believes that their combined technologies could play a crucial role in remediation efforts, which have already cost taxpayers over $366 million—a figure expected to rise as more contamination is identified.
"We look forward to working with governments and other stakeholders to deploy our technologies at contaminated sites across the country and internationally," Mr Rochfort said.
