What is the situation at old Bellingen Shire Council Fire Control Centre?
PFAS investigations have commenced at the former Bellingen Shire Council Fire Control Centre at 9 Orara Street, Uranga, NSW 2455.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) is monitoring the progress of NSW RFS (RFS) PFAS investigations at the former Bellingen Fire Control Centre.
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 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?
Additional Detailed Site Investigation sampling, completed in August and September 2024 by independent environmental consultant on behalf of RFS, included soil, sediment, concrete, surface water, sediment and groundwater from various locations on and off site.
What were the findings?
Sampling has confirmed the presence of PFAS in soil, concrete, surface water, sediment and groundwater samples.
What happens now?
RFS and the site auditor have reviewed the Detailed Site Investigation Report to determine next investigation steps, which include further sampling on and off-site to close identified investigation data gaps and review of remediation/management alternatives for the site.
Reports
Detailed Site Investigation, October 2023.
Supplementary Detailed Site Investigation, April 2025.