2019 August: Gowrie Creek Toowoomba (Queensland) – PFAS Fish Warning

Fish Warning Gowrie Creek – Toowoomba
Chronicle 21/8/19
QUEENSLAND Health has advised against eating fish caught from a section of Gowrie Creek, after elevated levels of PFAS were discovered.
https://www.river949.com.au/news/local-news/101585-pfas-detected-in-fish-in-gowrie-creek
22 August 2019
Health authorities are warning people not to eat fish caught out of Gowrie Creek after elevated levels of the toxic chemical PFAS was discovered in the waterway.
Tests by Viva Energy detected the toxic chemical in a section of the creek bordered by Bridge and North Streets.  Toowoomba’s town water has not been affected.

Viva Energy Statement – Updated Environmental testing of Gowrie Creek, Toowoomba

https://www.vivaenergy.com.au/about-us/media-centre/news/2019/viva-energy-statement-update-environmental-testing-of-gowrie-creek-toowoomba

Samples from further environmental investigations conducted by Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (Viva Energy) in Gowrie Creek show the presence of PFAS in an expanded area, further upstream and downstream of the former fuel depot at 47-55 Brooke Street, Toowoomba.

On 5 September 2019, Queensland Health issued an updated precautionary health advice that any fish caught from this area should not be consumed.

Viva Energy takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously. We will continue to provide regular updates regarding our investigations to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science and work with the Department on any future actions. The environmental investigations are being overseen by an independent Contaminated Land Auditor.