2018: Fuchs – Wickham (NSW) – PFAS

Fuchs Wickham – 2 Holland Street, Wickham

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

Fuchs is investigating potential per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination stemming from the historical use of fire-fighting foams at their Wickham site.

Investigations have found PFAS on and offsite at the facility. 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.

To assist with the investigation, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Fuchs are conducting a water use survey with nearby residents whose groundwater may be affected. These surveys will help identify the ways residents might come into contact with PFAS, and whether they need to follow any precautionary advice to minimise their exposure to PFAS. The nearby properties are connected to town water, which is safe to use.

The EPA will oversee Fuchs investigation to ensure timely and robust investigations are undertaken. The EPA and Fuchs will keep the community informed of any developments.