Veolia’s innovative remediation works receive award nominations

The 2022 award season is shaping up to be a big one for Veolia with Australia’s leading environmental services provider adding 2 new nominations to its list of accolades.

In Victoria, Veolia’s remediation team has been named as a finalist in the Australian Water Association’s annual Water Awards. It is one of 4 nominees vying for the title of the Best Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional). Meanwhile, the remediation team in New South Wales is a finalist in the 2022 Sustainability Awards in the Clean Energy category.

For both awards, Veolia is being recognised for its contribution to remediating polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment through the development of a bespoke mobile water treatment plant (MWTP). On behalf of highly valued clients in both states, Veolia developed an on-site mobile remediation unit for PFAS-impacted water. 

An innovative solution for the safe treatment of  PFAS and water contaminants, the MWTP has delivered environmental and community benefits. The innovation has treated over 2.3 million litres of water for reuse or return to the local environment. In using 100% locally sourced labour for design and build, the MWTP has also increased local skill sets and created new employment opportunities in the state. 

Grant Winn, Veolia’s chief operating officer for industrial and energy services, said one of the most significant benefits of the mobile facility has been eliminating the risks associated with off-site transportation and disposal.

“Water contaminants are not easily degradable,” he said. “Treating impacted surface water on site is both time and cost effective. It also means transportation of the water to other locations becomes much safer.”

Veolia's MWTP design also improves the water treatment process by increasing project productivity and efficiency while minimising potential health, safety and environmental hazards.

“Veolia aims to become a leader in remediation services in Australia and our commitment to that drives us to develop innovatives and solutions that will positively impact society,” Grant said. “The mobile water treatment plant is an excellent example of how we’re delivering for the environment and our clients.”

According to Grant, the NSW remediation team was able to enhance the original Victorian design by constructing a newer version that is solar powered. 

“We knew we already had a really effective tool for PFAS-impacted water treatment; adding solar panels was the perfect way to take that one step further and demonstrate Veolia’s commitments to low-carbon solutions,” he said. 

The nominations build on Veolia’s recent shortlisting in the Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Awards and the announcement that 2 of its staff members are finalists in the annual Waste Innovation & Recycling Awards.

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