Water authorities are facing a hearing over their actions to monitor and detect toxic “forever chemicals”, as governments list sites of likely contamination.
Rivers, lakes, a park and a school are among 51 sites across NSW likely to have had significant exposure to toxic “forever chemicals”, as authorities expand water testing to regional areas.
The State Government’s actions to monitor, detect and deal with PFAS chemical contamination are being examined by a federal inquiry in Penrith today.
There have been 1100 investigations into contamination by the NSW Environment Protection Authority since 2016, with 51 sites remaining a high priority, according to the government’s written submission to the inquiry.
The sites include fire stations and airports around the state, along with weapons ranges, defence bases, rivers, lakes, a school in the Blue Mountains and a park in Byron Bay.
Locally, sites include Kemps Creek NSW Rural Fire Service on Devonshire Road at Kemps Creek, Londonderry TestSafe & Fire and Rescue NSW on The Northern Road at Londonderry and St Columba’s Catholic College in Springwood.
For many of the listed sites, the environmental watchdog says the discovery of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in the environment does not mean there is a human health risk.
“The NSW government understands the community’s concerns about PFAS,” the government’s submission to the inquiry said.
“Our management of PFAS is informed by the best science and evidence.”
While drinking water in Sydney and the Hunter region is regularly monitored, NSW Health is supporting an expanded PFAS screening test for water utilities managed by regional councils.
PFAS chemicals are known for their heat, water and stain resistance and have been commercially produced for decades for use in firefighting foam, aviation, carpets, fabric and cosmetics.
The use of PFAS in firefighting foam has led to the detection of the chemicals in and around defence bases, airports and fire stations around Australia. The chemicals do not naturally break down in the environment, leaving them to linger for long periods of time.
The federal inquiry is examining sources of PFAS contamination and the effectiveness of current regulations, along with the social, economic, health and environmental effects.
The peak body for the water sector has made several recommendations to the inquiry, including banning or restricting PFAS in non-essential consumer items.
There should also be mandatory labelling for products containing PFAS, along with a national contaminant strategy, according to the Water Services Association of Australia.
The inquiry was also set to hear from a community group from the Blue Mountains, along with homeowners in Sydney’s outskirts.
