What is the situation at Clandulla Rural Fire Station?
PFAS investigations are continuing at the Clandulla Rural Fire Station, 12-20 Ferris Street, Clandulla, NSW 2848.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) is monitoring the progress of NSW RFS (RFS) PFAS investigations at Clandulla.
Why is PFAS being 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 is being undertaken?
A Detailed Site Investigation was undertaken in November 2023 by an independent environmental consultant on behalf of the RFS, including soil, surface water and groundwater sampling on and offsite.
What were the findings?
Sampling has confirmed the presence of PFAS in soil, surface water and groundwater on-site and soil and surface water off-site above the adopted assessment criteria.
What happens now?
RFS and the NSW EPA have reviewed reports associated with the site to determine next investigation steps, which include further sampling of surface water, groundwater, and soil to close identified investigation data gaps.
Reports
- Preliminary Site Investigation, August 2023
- Detailed Site Investigation, February 2024