Hoxton Park RFS
What is the situation at Hoxton Park?
PFAS investigations are continuing at the Hoxton Park RFS at 8-10 First Avenue, Hoxton Park. The facility is no longer used for operational purposes.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) is monitoring the progress of NSW RFS PFAS investigations at the Hoxton Park 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?
Investigations involve sampling of soil and groundwater on-site. RFS also sought the assistance of some residents near the Hoxton Park facility regarding the completion of a water use survey and off-site soil and home-grown produce sampling.
What were the results?
Preliminary investigations by independent environmental consultants confirmed the presence of PFAS.
On-site soil samples at the former RFS site were within the nationally adopted PFAS soil criteria for open space PFAS National Environmental Management Plan 2.0 (NEMP).
What happens now?
Further investigation is required to determine the extent of PFAS impacts in soil and groundwater and address identified date gaps. Based on the findings of the next stage of investigation the need for further investigation and/or remediation will be determined.
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.
Updated as of 13 Nov 2024
