What is the situation at Charmhaven?
Remediation planning activities have commenced at the Central Coast Fire Control Centre, 104 Arizona Road, Charmhaven.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) is monitoring the progress of NSW RFS (RFS) PFAS investigations at Charmhaven.
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?
The most recent Detailed Site Investigation, including sampling undertaken in November 2023 and January 2024, by an independent environmental consultant on behalf of the RFS, included additional soil, surface water, sediment, concrete and groundwater sampling on and off-site.
What were the findings?
Sampling has confirmed PFAS impacts are present in soil, surface water, concrete and groundwater samples on-site and soil and surface water samples off-site (to the north and east) at concentrations above the adopted assessment criteria.
What happens now?
RFS and the NSW EPA have reviewed Reports associated with the site to determine next steps, which includes the development and implementation of a remediation strategy for the site to make the site and off-site areas suitable for current and future proposed land uses.
As part of the remediation process, the RFS is currently developing a Development Application for the proposed remediation works.
Reports
- Data Gap Detailed Site Investigation, March 2024
- PFAS Remediation Action Plan, April 2024
- Groundwater Monitoring Event, October 2024