PFAS Risk Screening Project, Phase 4, Work Package 2 -4

The overarching PFAS Risk Screening Project, now in its fourth phase, aims to assess and tackle the risks arising from a group of “forever chemicals” which are contaminating soil, groundwater and surface waters and pose a risk to human health. Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad group of synthetic fluorinated organic chemicals which are extremely persistent in the environment. Some are bio-accumulative and toxic, and/or highly mobile. PFAS are a group of more than 4,700 man-made chemicals (OECD, 2018), the two most well-known of which are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Increasing awareness of the widespread presence of PFAS in environmental media has heightened regulatory concerns about their potential risks to human health and the environment. A recent evidence review by the EA has identified large data gaps in relation to the uses, sources, and mass emissions of PFAS in the UK. This report recommends further research and investigative work to evaluate the sources, both current and legacy, that are contributing to the widespread nature of this family of contaminants. To ensure effective allocation of resources and appropriate targeting of mitigation actions, we need to better understand the sources of PFAS, the pathways by which these chemicals can impact key receptors and the relative significance of these substances in environmental media. This programme of work (Phase 4) is a programme of work comprising six sub projects, which again aim to build on preceding stages, furthering our knowledge of these chemicals and the risks they pose, with increased focus on highlighted sites of concern. This notice outlines our intention and approach to procure the following three work packages through an open competition, with a sub lot for each package of work. WP2 - Lot 1. Development of Best Practice Guidance WP3 - Lot 2. Detailed Assessment of Potential PFAS Problem Sites: o In-depth desk studies of x10 highlighted problem sites o Site investigation of x1 prioritised site (Grosvenor Chemicals) WP4 - Lot 3. Economic Appraisal