Austral RFS
What is the situation at Austral?
PFAS investigations have commenced at the Austral RFS, 59 Ninth Avenue, Austral. The facility is no longer used for firefighting operations.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) is monitoring the progress of NSW RFS PFAS investigations at the Austral site.
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 in 2021 to assess the extent of PFAS at the site. The investigation included sampling of soil, groundwater, surface water and/or sediment by independent environmental consultants on behalf of RFS.
RFS also sought the assistance of nearby residents regarding off-site soil sampling and/or a water use survey as part of the investigation.
What were the results?
Sampling results have confirmed the presence of PFAS in some on-site and off-site soil samples. A Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) was undertaken in 2021 to inform the options being considered in the Site Improvement Options Plan.
What happens now?
Previously Liverpool City Council, as the site owner, lead the investigation program through site investigation and development of a site improvement options plan in consultation with the NSW EPA, RFS. As of October 2024, the NSW RFS will be leading any further investigation and/or remediation at the site.
The next step will be to review, and address identified data gaps and then develop a remedial approach to reduce any ongoing potential risk associated with PFAS impacts.
The RFS are currently in the process of engaging an independent contaminated sites Auditor for the project, who will independently assess the nature and extent of PFAS impacts and determine site suitability.
More information
- Read more about the NSW EPA state-wide PFAS program including Frequently Asked Questions
- Questions about the NSW EPA’s state-wide PFAS investigation program can be directed to the NSW Environment Line on 131 555.
- The most relevant and up to date health information can be obtained from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, Environmental Health Standing Committee, which has the following fact sheets:
- The Australian Government has a dedicated PFAS website that contains a range of information pertaining to PFAS, this includes ‘what are PFAS’, ‘How might PFAS affect us’ and ‘FAQs’, along with other important information.
- The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care Expert Health Panel has provided advice on the health impacts of PFAS.
- You can make enquiries to Australian Government health information service by phone on 1800 941 180 or by email to health.PFAS@health.gov.au.
- The NSW Government has established the NSW PFAS Technical Advisory Group who advise the EPA in developing the NSW Government’s response to PFAS issues, including contamination, to protect the community and the environment.
- You can read more about current RFS PFAS investigations by monitoring this site.
Our commitment to you
We will work to keep you up to date on investigations.
Email pfas@rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information.
Last Updated: 13 Nov 2024
