2016/18 – Armidale Fire and Rescue, Armidale (New South Wales) – PFAS

Armidale Fire and Rescue NSW

https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/contaminated-land/pfas-investigation-program/pfas-investigation-sites/Armidale-Fire-and-Rescue-NSWFire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is investigating potential per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination stemming from the historical use of fire-fighting foams at its Armidale site.

Investigations found PFAS on the Armidale site. PFAS was also detected in soil, sediments, groundwater and surface water at some surrounding properties. The detection of PFAS is not unexpected given the past use of PFAS-containing
fire-fighting foams at the site. PFAS has also been used in many domestic and industrial products and background levels may be present from these other sources.

Following a water use survey undertaken by FRNSW, residents of surrounding properties were provided with tailored precautionary dietary advice to minimise their exposure to PFAS. This advice is specific to those properties and does not apply to the wider Armidale community.

FRNSW is working with a consultant to develop a remedial action plan which will be provided to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for review.  The EPA will continue to work collaboratively with FRNSW to ensure timely and robust investigations are undertaken. The EPA and FRNSW will keep the community informed of any developments.