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Findings from preliminary testing into possible contamination by the historical use of firefighting foams at HMAS Albatross will be released at a meeting at Nowra on Wednesday night.
Defence and NSW Government representatives will host an information session for residents, businesses and local stakeholders, regarding the findings of the preliminary site investigation at the Nowra naval base.
The information session will be at the Shoalhaven City Turf Club’s Archer Racecourse, on Albatross Road, from 5:30-7:30pm.
In a statement late Tuesday, defence said it is progressing to the next stage of the environmental investigation at HMAS Albatross to identify the extent and levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on, and in the vicinity of, the base.
A spokesperson said defence started the initial phase of the investigation called ‘preliminary site investigation’ in May.
“It involved providing information to the community via a dedicated project website, project fact sheets and an introductory community information session,” the spokesperson said.
“Residents were also surveyed regarding their water use and consultation was undertaken with key NSW and local government stakeholders.”
A review of the bases’ history for AFFF use and identifying potential sources of PFAS was also undertaken.
“Off-base groundwater samples, including from residential properties in close proximity to the base were collected and analysed,” the spokesperson said.
A plan for the next stage of the process, the ‘detailed site investigation’, started in September.
The spokesperson said the investigation includes comprehensive sampling, on and off-base sampling of soil, groundwater, surface water and drainage lines to further assess the nature and extent of PFAS on, and in the vicinity of, the base.
Investigating and modelling how PFAS moves through the environment and preparing a detailed site investigation report would be undertaken.
“A Human Health Risk Assessment and Ecological Risk Assessment if required based on sampling and analysis conducted will be prepared,” the spokesperson said.
“Defence continues to work collaboratively with the NSW Government authorities to ensure they have current information when considering possible actions.
“Defence provides the environmental investigation reports to all relevant state government agencies to ensure they have current information to inform their management decisions.”
A defence report released last month said the Army Aviation Centre at Oakey in Queensland had suffered significant contamination due to the historical use of firefighting foams containing perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PDFOA).
The report went as far as saying residents should avoid drinking and bathing in water contaminated by PFOS and PFOA.
They are the same foams used at both Albatross and the Jervis Bay Airfield for many years.
The May community meeting about the possible contamination was shocked when it was revealed firefighters were told when the foam was first introduced it was “glorified detergent” and used the potentially harmful foam to wash their dishes and cars when they ran out of detergent.
Former HMAS Albatross firefighter Colin Stubbs, who worked at the navy base for 30 years both as a defence member and contractor, has called for mandatory blood testing for all military personnel who may have been exposed to firefighting foams.