What is the situation at Former Nambucca Shire Fire Control Centre?
PFAS investigations are continuing at the former Nambucca Shire Fire Control Centre at 27 Kelly Close, Macksville, NSW, 2447.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) is monitoring the progress of NSW RFS (RFS) PFAS investigations at the former Nambucca Fire Control Centre.
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 Supplementary Detailed Site Investigation was undertaken between April and September 2024 by an independent environmental consultant on behalf of RFS, including the collection of soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater from various locations onsite and sediment and surface water samples off site.
What were the findings?
Sampling has confirmed the presence of PFAS in soil, surface water and groundwater samples above the adopted assessment criteria on-site.
What happens now?
RFS and NSW EPA have reviewed the Supplementary Detailed Site Investigation Report to determine next investigation steps which includes an additional groundwater investigation and an ecological risk assessment to close the identified data gaps.
Reports
- Preliminary Site Investigation, August 2023
- Detailed Site Investigation, February 2024
- Supplementary Detailed Site Investigation, January 2025