2018-2023: BHP Whaleback Mine Including Orebody 29/30/35
West of Orebody (OB) 29
The area west of OB29 contains a Former Fire Training Ground, Rail Hub Area, and Landfill.
PFAS concentrations in groundwater in the Former Fire Training Ground area were relatively low considering the significant depth to groundwater in this area. PFAS concentrations only slightly exceeded the Australian DWG (0.07 µg/L) for Sum (PFOS+PFHxS). PFOS concentrations exceeded the 99% SPL (0.00023 µg/L) but were well below the 95% SPL (0.13 µg/L).
The rail hub area is used for maintenance of rail equipment and historically some fire-fighting equipment was reportedly stored.
An inert rubbish tip is located in the northeastern end of OB30. Sum PFOS+PFHxS concentrations in groundwater were below the Australian DWG (0.07 µg/L). PFOS concentrations exceeded the 99% SPL (0.00023 µg/L) but were well below the 95% SPL (0.13 µg/L). PFOA was detected in a small subset of the wells at trace concentrations well below the DWG (0.56 µg/L)
and 99% SPL (19 µg/L).
Source: EPA Western Australia OB29/30/35 Water (PFAS) Management Plan