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Central Coast Fire Control Centre, Charmhaven
What is the situation at Charmhaven?
Detailed PFAS investigations 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, which is safe to use.
What testing is being undertaken?
The most recent Detailed Site Investigation, including sampling undertaken in November 2023 and January 2024, by independent environmental consultants on behalf of the RFS, included additional soil, surface water, sediment, concrete and groundwater sampling on and off-site.
What were the results?
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.
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, Environmental Health Standing Committee, which has the following fact sheets:
- The Australian Government has a 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’s Expert Health Panel has provided advice on the health impacts of PFAS (May 2018).
- For public enquiries relating to health - phone 1800 941 180 or 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 what the 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.
Information updated July 2024
