Leading figures from industry and science will be discussing the challenge posed by land contaminated by ‘forever chemicals’ at a PFAS conference we are co-hosting.
The PFAS Conference: Issues to Explore & Solutions is being hosted by the National Brownfield Institute (NBI) and ourselves at the University of Wolverhampton.
Sponsored by SOCOTEC, it will take place on World Earth Day, April 22 2025. It is expected to attract delegates from across the UK environmental and construction sector.
Often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a significant concern. This is due to their persistence in the environment and their links to adverse human health effects.
Originally developed in the 1940s for their chemical stability, water and oil repellence, surfactant properties and resistance to heat, PFAS were widely used. These products include non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and firefighting foams (AFFF).
More than two decades ago, growing evidence began to highlight the environmental and public health impacts of these substances. Their resistance to natural degradation has since resulted in widespread contamination, presenting complex challenges for landowners, developers and regulators — particularly on brownfield sites.
One-day PFAS conference
The one-day conference will bring together environmental consultants, remediation contractors, lawyers, insurers, technology providers and academics, alongside representatives from regulatory bodies.
They will be tackling two fundamental questions: how big is the PFAS problem, and what practical solutions are now emerging?
Recent advances in investigation methods, treatment technologies and remediation strategies mean PFAS is no longer viewed solely as an intractable issue. The conference will examine these developments through a combination of scientific insight, regulatory perspective and real-world project experience.
Leading experts to speak
Among the speakers will be Dr David Megson and Professor Patrick Byrne. Both experts featured in a BBC Panorama programme on PFAS last year.
A wider panel of experts from universities – including Dr Paul Nathanail (LQM) – will join industry and specialist technology providers.
Dr Paul Hampton, of the National Brownfield Institute, said: “Awareness of PFAS and its impact on public health and the environment is increasing rapidly. Many of these chemicals were historically used across the UK. It means PFAS has become an emerging contaminant group that presents real challenges for brownfield redevelopment.
“This conference is about sharing knowledge. Its aim is to help those involved in land management and development better understand the science, the risks and the solutions, so that contaminated land can be responsibly brought back into beneficial use. It forms part of our wider Transform Land agenda, which focuses on addressing complex land contamination issues through collaboration.”
The event is being jointly organised with ATG Group, which is currently involved in PFAS investigation and remediation projects at sites across the UK.
PFAS remediation
Duncan Sanders, Director and PFAS Lead at ATG Group, said: “From the number of enquiries we are getting, we know PFAS is being encountered across a wide range of sites. Addressing it effectively requires collaboration across disciplines — from science and regulation through to practical delivery.
“We are pleased to be working with the National Brownfield Institute to bring together experienced voices from across the sector. The aim is to encourage open discussion, share emerging best practice and help build a clearer, more coordinated response to what is a significant environmental challenge.”
Book PFAS Conference tickets
The conference will provide a valuable opportunity for learning, discussion and professional networking. It brings together some of the leading thinking currently shaping the UK’s response to PFAS contamination.
To book to attend the conference, visit https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/104109
