PFAS Detailed Site Investigation 6/6/20 Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-04/3.1-Ayr-PFAS-DSI.pdf
Elevated PFAS concentrations in groundwater, i.e. exceeding NEMP (HEPA, 2018)) drinking
water and recreational water quality guideline values for ∑(PFHxS+PFOS) and for PFOA, were
detected in groundwater samples from all four newly installed monitoring wells. The two
groundwater samples (collected from approximately 4.5 mbgl) with the highest ∑(PFHxS+PFOS)
concentrations (54 μg/L17 and 43 μg/L, respectively) were located adjacent to or within the former areas used for foam training exercises (AY_MW01 and AY_MW04). Groundwater monitoring well AY_MW01 was also located adjacent east of the Case 4 Pit. The predominant PFAS compound detected was PFOS. The groundwater sample (AY_MW02) collected from the monitoring well located up-gradient of the former foam training areas reported PFAS concentrations which were an order of magnitude lower (2.1 μg/L ∑(PFHxS+PFOS)), which indicates the primary source of PFAS in groundwater is likely to be located in the southern portion of the Site, in the vicinity of the former foam training exercise areas and the Case 4 Pit.
PFAS Detection At Ayr Fire Station – Sep 20 2019
https://www.power100.com.au/news/local-news/157225-update-pfas-detection-at-ayr-fire-station
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has provided an update on the detection of PFAS at Ayr Fire Station.
PFAS was a component of firefighting foam and can seep into waterways.
A QFES spokesperson said in late August, preliminary testing found slightly elevated levels of PFAS in a single external tap at the Ayr Fire Station.
Following these preliminary results, a full set of follow-up tests were conducted.
Results of the follow-up water testing have confirmed that all drinking water taps at Ayr Fire Station were under the national drinking water guidelines for PFAS.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is continuing to monitor PFAS levels at the Ayr Fire Station, and has engaged with the Burdekin Shire Council to share testing data and findings.
Routine monitoring of the Ayr water supply undertaken by Burdekin Shire Council has not shown any recent elevation of PFAS levels.
The spokesperson said the QFES has a proactive strategy to detect and manage any concerns arising from historical use of firefighting foams containing PFAS.
The strategy includes sampling and testing water and soil from QFES locations around Queensland.
Ayr Fire Station – August 2019
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/disasters/investigation-pfas/sites/ayr
As part of environmental investigation works at fire station sites, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has undertaken PFAS testing at the Ayr Fire Station.
While a preliminary result showed slightly elevated levels of PFAS in the water from a single external tap at the Ayr Fire Station, follow-up testing confirmed all drinking water taps at the station were under the national drinking water guidelines for PFAS.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is continuing to monitor PFAS levels at the Ayr Fire Station, and has engaged with the Burdekin Shire Council to share testing data and findings.
Ayr Fire Station Late 2016
PFOA 0.031ug/L
PFOS 0.121ug/L
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/disasters/investigation-pfas/sites/qfes-sites
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services sites
In mid-2016, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) tested soil and water held in the in-ground water tanks at the Enoggera, Cairns, Rockhampton, Southport, Yeppoon, Townsville and Oakey fire stations.
In late 2016, QFES also tested the water held in the in-ground water tanks at the following fire stations: Cairns South, Forrest Beach, Ayr, Home Hill, Mt Isa, Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Dysart, Mackay, Sarina, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Noosa Heads, Caloundra, Charleville, Arana Hills, Annerley, Windsor, Roma St, Kemp Place and the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA) at Whyte Island in Brisbane’s east.
Testing was conducted to identify the concentration of a range of PFAS, including PerFluoro-Octane Sulfonate (PFOS) and PerFluoro-Octanoic Acid (PFOA), in the in-ground water tanks at these locations.
The results from the testing were to be used to inform proactive actions by QFES.
The test results were compared against the health-based guidance values for PFAS that were developed for the Commonwealth Department of Health by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). They were published in April 2017 and offer guidance values for drinking water and recreational water contact (i.e. swimming, bathing).
Water held in the in-ground water tanks has not been used for drinking or recreational purposes. The in-ground water tanks have been used in the past to recycle water used in training and surface water run-off. There are no specific health-based guidance values for PFAS contained in recycled water used for these purposes. However, the health-based guidance values for recreational water use have been used as a guide for testing purposes.