What is the situation at Putty Rural Fire Station?
PFAS investigations have commenced at the Putty Rural Fire Station, 426 Putty Valley Road, Putty, NSW 2300.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) is monitoring the progress of NSW RFS (RFS) PFAS investigations at the Putty 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 Preliminary Site Investigation was undertaken in February 2024 by independent environmental consultants on behalf of the RFS, including soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater sampling onsite.
What were the findings?
Sampling has confirmed the presence of PFAS in soil, sediment and surface water onsite above the adopted assessment criteria.
What happens now?
RFS and the NSW EPA have reviewed reports associated with the site to determine the next steps. Additional investigations 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, April 2024.