PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds) are used in C&I applications in many different areas, for example in the manufacturing process of water-repellent textiles or as an additive in fire-fighting foams, but also in aviation processes, the photographic industry and electroplating. Furthermore, they are used as lubricants and impregnating substances as well as in many cosmetics.

Contaminated site management is now dealing with the remediation and disposal of these chemicals, which has only recently become an issue.

Since autumn 2019, Grundbauberatung-Geoconsulting AG has been carrying out extensive contaminated site investigations at a PFAS-contaminated location in Altstaetten, Switzerland. The contaminants found at the site have been excavated since the beginning of September 2022 and the contaminated area is being remediated step by step.

A brief information summary on the PFAS group of pollutants, our work and the challenges on-site can be found in a video article in "Kassensturz" dated 28^th February 2023, which can be accessed at the following link:

https://www.srf.ch/play/tv/-/video/-?urn=urn:srf:video:8301561a-9446-4202-9393-e5379d27d9b8