What is the situation at the Kemps Creek Training Facility?

PFAS investigations are continuing at the Kemps Creek Training Facility at 245 Devonshire Road, Kemps Creek, NSW.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) is monitoring the progress of RFS PFAS investigations at the Kemps Creek Training Facility.

A NSW Site Auditor has been engaged to independently review contaminated land consultant reports to ensure the methods and interpretation of data are consistent with NSW EPA endorsed guidelines.

Why was PFAS investigated?

Foam containing PFAS was used in firefighting activities, such as fuel type fires and training, by some Rural Fire Brigades since 1975 for the protection of people and property.

The RFS identified PFAS-containing firefighting foam might have been stored or used as part of fire training and operations at this location. As a precaution, the RFS is undertaking investigations to determine if PFAS from firefighting foam might still be present in the environment.

The presence of PFAS in the environment may not necessarily pose a risk to human health or the environment. There is currently no consistent evidence that exposure to PFOS and PFOA causes adverse human health effects (refer to NSW Health Site).  It is important to assess if there are any potential ways in which people might have contact with these chemicals.  The primary PFAS exposure pathways are through drinking water containing PFAS, or eating produce that was grown using water containing PFAS.  Local residents are connected to the town water supply.

What testing was undertaken?

A Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) and a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment, completed in April 2018, included soil, groundwater, sediment and surface water sampling from various locations on and off-site, as well as produce grown on nearby properties. The DSI followed preliminary investigations which confirmed the presence of PFAS in some samples at and around the Kemps Creek Training Facility. The detailed testing was undertaken to verify earlier findings, to help determine the extent of any PFAS migration, and inform site management actions.

What were the findings?

PFAS were detected in some soil, sediment, ground and surface water samples.

The NSW EPA and NSW PFAS Technical Advisory Group recommended that, as a precaution, specific residents near Liverpool City Council’s Western Depot not use surface water for drinking, cooking or watering produce (fruit, vegetables, herbs and poultry). The potentially affected properties were notified.  This advice does not apply to the wider Kemps Creek community.

What happens now?

Previously Liverpool City Council, as the site owner, lead the investigation program through site investigation and development of a site improvement options plan in consultation with the NSW EPA, RFS and residents. As of October 2024, the NSW RFS will be leading any further investigation and/or remediation at the site.

The next step is to address the identified data gaps and then develop a remedial approach to reduce any ongoing potential risk associated with PFAS impacts.

Reports

• Preliminary Site Investigation, July 2017
• Detailed Site Investigation and Human Health Risk Assessment, June 2018
• Interim Audit Advice IAA01 – NSW RFS Training Site, 245 Devonshire Road, Kemps Creek, May 2024
• PFAS Data Gaps Investigation, Sampling, Analysis and Quality Plan, April 2025
• Interim Audit Advice IAA02 – NSW RFS Training Site, 245 Devonshire Road, Kemps Creek, April 2025

Kemps Creek RFS training site