What is the situation at Forest Hill Rural Fire Station?
PFAS investigations have commenced at the Forest Hill Rural Fire Station, 82 Elizabeth Avenue, Forest Hill, NSW 2651.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) is monitoring the progress of NSW RFS (RFS) PFAS investigations at the Forest Hill 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.
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 between May 2023 and November 2023 by independent environmental consultants on behalf of the RFS, including concrete, soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater sampling on and off-site.
What were the findings?
Sampling has confirmed the presence of PFAS in surface water on and off-site.
What happens now?
RFS and the NSW EPA have reviewed reports associated with the site to determine the next steps, and RFS are undertaking an ongoing surface water monitoring program to further assess the nature and extent of PFAS contamination in surface water on and offsite and determine if management and/or remediation is required.
Reports
- PFAS Detailed Site Investigation, February 2024.