Shoalhaven Fire Control Centre
What is the situation at Shoalhaven Fire Control Centre?
PFAS investigations are ongoing at Shoalhaven Fire Control Centre at 92 Albatross Road, South Nowra, NSW.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) has been monitoring the progress of NSW RFS (RFS) PFAS investigations at the Shoalhaven Fire Control Centre.
Why was PFAS 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 was undertaken?
A Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) and a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment (HHERA), completed in May 2018, were conducted in consultation with the NSW EPA and Shoalhaven City Council.
The HHERA, completed by independent environment consultants, considered and assessed the pathways through which people might come into contact with PFAS, for example:
- site workers carrying out site works
- visitors and temporary maintenance workers
- recreational use of bushland and creeks down gradient to the east of the site
- residents down gradient who might extract groundwater for irrigation
- consumers of biota, such as fish or crustaceans, from the creek to the east of site.
The RFS has engaged an independent contaminated sites Auditor for the project, who will independently assess the nature and extent of PFAS impacts and determine site suitability.
What were the results?
Investigations determined PFAS detections above the PFAS National Environmental Management (NEMP) guidelines for soil were limited to the site and the small dam. Groundwater samples collected as part of the investigation did not exceed the NEMP drinking water guidelines and were under the applicable ecological guidelines. The HHERA determined there is no risk to human health onsite or off-site.
What happens now?
Additional investigation is required to address identified data gaps in relation to extent of PFAS impacts. Once data gaps have been addressed, the need to update the Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment will be assessed and the requirement for remediation 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
