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Detailed environmental investigations will be carried out at HMAS Creswell and the Jervis Bay Range Facility after traces of the historical use of firefighting foams were discovered in groundwater and surface water.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were discovered and refer to a group of chemicals, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FtS).
Detailed testing is also being carried out at the nearby HMAS Albatross after preliminary testing into possible contamination by the historical use of firefighting foams revealed the chemicals had been discovered in 17 locations off the base.
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said the risk to surrounding residents of Albatross “appeared low” but would be “reviewed when further sampling is completed.”
Creswell is home to the navy’s initial entry officer training and leadership training and along with the Jervis Bay Range Facility (JBRF) has history of using legacy Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for emergency fire fighting situations and for firefighter training.
Creswell also provides support to fleet units operating in the East Australian Exercise Area, and the RAN School of Survivability and Ship Safety.
Traces of the chemicals were found in both groundwater and surface water but were within defence’s interim screening levels.
Defence started phasing out its use of legacy AFFF containing perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid as active ingredients in 2004. The AFFF now used by defence is a more environmentally safe product.
Defence started a national program to review its estate and implement a comprehensive approach to manage the impacts of PFAS resulting from the historical use of legacy fire fighting foams.
As well as a number of detailed environmental investigations already underway, defence has undertaken a preliminary sampling program at a number of sites including JBRF and HMAS Creswell.
Based on the outcome of this preliminary sampling program it has been determined that JBRF and HMAS Creswell will be subject to a detailed environmental investigation to determine the nature and extent of PFAS on, and in the vicinity of, the base.
The timing for the start of this investigation is being considered in consultation with relevant government and local authorities.
Defence will conduct a community briefing and information activity prior to the start of the detailed environmental investigation at Creswell and will continue to engage with the community throughout the investigation via a number of print and online avenues, including a dedicated project website, direct mail and factsheets.
It is expected the detailed investigation will take approximately 12 months from start.