Soil may sometimes contain poly-fluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, among other contaminants, and in most cases, an infrastructure project construction demands substantial earthworks involving soil movement and management. Emerging compounds – especially PFAS – could have potentially unwanted regulatory implications for such a project and many others.

Unexpectedly, some risk management trends have emerged recently, highlighting how project and property owners can mitigate risks associated with PFAS. Here are a few.

1. Considering the Soil as a Valuable Resource

Today’s environmental legislation no longer perceives excess soil as waste. Surprisingly, it promotes the discovery of advantageous ways of using excess soil even if there’s a presence of elevated compound concentrations as long as the procedure goes safely.

2. Reducing Soil Landfilling

Infrastructure project developers used to dispose of impacted soil in landfills but dumping in such waste yards has slowly become unnecessary because of the need for conserving landfill spaces. Besides, the PFAS-binding power of stabilizing agents proves that developers can reuse soil onsite within safety standards.

3. Keeping an Eye on Regulatory Expectations

Regular updates on new and developing soil regulations should aid project owners in handling impacted soil reuse and seeking strategic consultation to make better and well-informed decisions.