WATER & CARBON GROUP
Removing Harmful Pollutants from Wastewater at Scale
The challenge
PFAS & PFOA refer to a class of synthetic chemicals first developed in the 1930s. The innovation behind non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and greaseproof food packaging, these compounds are valued for their waterproof, heat-resistant and highly durable properties. Since the 1950s, they’ve been embedded in thousands of everyday products, including cosmetics, waterproof paint, carpets, firefighting foam, and even pizza boxes.
Unfortunately, the durability that made PFAS & PFOAS so useful has also become their greatest problem.
Defined by their strong carbon–fluorine bonds, they’re often called “forever chemicals” because of how slowly they break down.
This resistance to natural degradation allows the chemicals to persist in the environment for decades.
Over time, they migrate through soil and water, bioaccumulating in ecosystems, wildlife and human populations, where exposure has been linked to immune disruption and chronic disease. Although Australia banned three major PFAS & PFOA compounds in 2025, historic contamination and the use of emerging compound variants – like GenX and PFBA – remain widespread.
Globally, landfill leachate is one of the most concentrated sources of harmful PFAS & PFOA pollution, yet traditional treatment technologies for these complex wastewater streams are costly, energy-intensive and difficult to scale. As environmental standards tighten worldwide, the need for effective treatment solutions continues to grow.
The breakthrough
The patented LEEF System® (Low Energy Evaporative Fractionation) sits at the core of WCG’s PFAS treatment strategy. This chemical-free foam fractionation technology removes PFAS & PFOA compounds directly from complex wastewater streams by leveraging their natural affinity for air.
Controlled airflow is introduced into the leachate, causing PFAS molecules to bind to rising air bubbles and form a concentrated foam layer that can be collected for disposal.
Modular and scalable by design, the LEEF System® adapts to evolving site and regulatory requirements, while remaining fully automated and remotely monitored across landfill, municipal and industrial wastewater applications.
The results
The WCG’s LEEF System® achieves up to 99% PFAS removal to non-detectable levels from complex, turbid wastewater streams, effectively addressing one of the most persistent contaminants in today’s wastewater processing systems.
The process generates minimal residual waste – typically just 0.1–0.3% of daily treatment capacity – while operating at low energy intensity. By eliminating chemical additives ad costly pre-treatment, the system significantly reduces both energy use and operational costs.
The result is a highly efficient treatment solution capable of delivering scalable environmental outcomes worldwide.
Innovation in action: A world-first in Australia
In 2022, WCG commissioned their $13-million Shoal Bay Leachate Treatment Plant for the City of Darwin.
The world’s first full-scale facility to treat raw landfill leachate for PFAS using their patented LEEF System®, the facility processes approximately 50 megalitres annually. It operates within an integrated zero-liquid-discharge system combining biological treatment, wetland polishing and phytoremediation.
The project demonstrates that large-scale PFAS & PFOA treatment can deliver both environmental outcomes and long term economic value.
The global expansion begins
Following the success of the Shoal Bay Treatment Plant in Darwin, WCG expanded operations into North America, deploying the United States’ first operational fixed-plant PFAS & PFOA treatment system in 2024 for Waste Connections at their Bethlehem landfill site in Pennsylvania.
Treating raw leachate, the installation has already demonstrated removal of targeted PFAS & PFOA compounds to non-detectable levels, below U.S. EPA drinking water limits.
The project represents a significant milestone for the U.S. waste sector, demonstrating a scalable and cost-effective pathway for landfill operators to manage PFAS & PFOA contamination and meet tightening environmental standards.
Since their first plant in Pennsylvania WCG has secured 3 additional projects, which are currently under construction – with further deployments in the pipeline.
About Water & Carbon Group
Founded in 2007, Water & Carbon Group (WCG) is an environmental engineering firm delivering scalable solutions to complex global wastewater challenges.
Operating in Australia and the United States, the company designs, builds and operates deployable, low-energy treatment systems that protect ecosystems, safeguard communities, and deliver long-term environmental and economic value.
Be part of the story. Contact hello@dragonflyenvirocapital.com.au
