2017 – Caltex, Kurnell (New South Wales) – PFAS

Kurnell – Caltex site

Kurnell Refinery (closed 2014)

https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/contaminated-land/pfas-investigation-program/pfas-investigation-sites/Kurnell-Caltex

Testing is underway at Caltex’s Kurnell site, as part of the state-wide PFAS investigation program being led by the NSW EPA. Preliminary sampling undertaken by Caltex at the site, shows the presence of PFAS both on and offsite. Residents are connected to town water, which is safe to use in the home, but further testing will help us to determine any exposure pathways.The EPA will continue to work collaboratively with Caltex to ensure an appropriate, scientific and risk-based approach is adopted throughout the investigation, and that the community receives information in a timely manner.

The NSW Government PFAS Taskforce released dietary advice regarding the consumption of aquatic biota in Botany Bay/Georges River in December 2017.

Caltex Kurnell – Botany Bay area

Per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) investigations are ongoing at various premises around Botany Bay. This includes companies at Botany Industrial Park, Sydney Airport, and Caltex at Kurnell.The number of potential sources of PFAS in the area makes it difficult to attribute detections in Botany Bay to individual sources. However, preliminary sampling undertaken by Airservices Australia indicates that historical use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam has led to detections in surface and groundwater within the airport precinct, and in some limited sampling of fish and sediments.PFAS has been detected in some species of fish caught in Botany Bay and the Georges River however, the number of potential sources of PFAS in the area makes it difficult to attribute the detections to individual sources.

Residents can continue to fish in Botany Bay and the Georges River but should follow precautionary dietary advice when eating their catch. A detailed factsheet outlining the precautionary dietary advice can be found below.