Airservices Australia today released the results of its Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) into per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination at its leased sites on Canberra Airport. The PSI is part of a national PFAS Management Program and was conducted by independent consultants AECOM Australia.
The PSI detected PFAS on airport in close proximity to the leased sites where Airservices carried out its fire service activities prior to 2010, when it transitioned to a PFAS-free foam. The PSI concluded that the risk to public areas surrounding the airport is low.
There is no evidence to indicate PFAS has migrated from Airservices leased sites to the western boundary of the airport. Airservices notes the local area is connected to mains drinking water.
The PSI notes further investigations are required on-airport to establish if there has been any migration of historical PFAS contamination from Airservices’ leased sites. Airservices will undertake this work in coming months.
Airservices is working closely with the Canberra Airport Group, the Commonwealth regulator and the ACT Environment Protection Authority, and will continue to consult and communicate with key stakeholders and community groups as work progresses.
Airservices is developing a PFAS Management Plan for its airport sites, which will include groundwater and surface water monitoring. The PSI is published here: http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/environment/national-pfas-management-program/
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