What is the situation at Glenbrook-Lapstone Rural Fire Station
PFAS investigations have commenced at the Glenbrook-Lapstone Rural Fire Station, located at 6 Hodgson Road, Glenbrook, NSW 2773.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) is monitoring the progress of NSW RFS (RFS) PFAS investigations at the Glenbrook-Lapstone Rural Fire Station.
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.
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 Preliminary Site Investigation was undertaken in October 2023, and an Additional PFAS Environmental Site Assessment undertaken in April 2024, by an independent environmental consultant on behalf of the RFS, including concrete, soil, sediment and surface water sampling on and offsite.
What were the findings?
Sampling has confirmed the presence of PFAS in concrete, soil, and surface water samples onsite.
What happens now?
RFS and the NSW EPA have reviewed reports associated with the site to determine the next steps, and a Data Gap Assessment will be undertaken to further assess the nature and extent of PFAS contamination on and offsite and determine if management and/or remediation is required.
Reports
- Preliminary Site Investigation, November 2023.
- Additional PFAS Environmental Site Assessment, August 2024.