It follows the discovery of the fire-fighting foam, containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances – PFAS – in areas outside military bases, including RAAF Base Wagga.

Forest Hill residents were in 2016 reassured preliminary testing had returned results in very low concentrations, but it prompted further investigation.

Related: RAAF to take a closer look at contamination 

With January’s results only weeks away, according to the Department of Defence, Shine Lawyers special counsel Joshua Aylward said answers could send shock waves through communities. 

The Australian Defence Force and other agencies used the foam between the 1970s and mid-2000s.

The chemicals can remain in the body and environment for years, transferring through the placenta and moving through the soil to contaminate surface and ground water.

While the Department of Health maintains the full extant of its effects are unknown, it has been referred to as “the new asbestos”, according to an ABC report, and has proven toxic to fish and some animals. 

Mr Aylward last week said the region was still in the dark about the issue. He said a number of Wagga residents had contacted him after communication from Defence “seemed to contradict what they found online”.

He said he welcomed further inquiries. 

Related: Shine Lawyers considering class action in Wodonga 

Mr Aylward said the assumption PFAS only passed through ground water was “a myth”, with residents adopting a naive “she’ll be right” attitude. 

“It’s a bigger deal than people realise,” Mr Aylward said. “There are 49 PFAS pathways that are being tested … it’s being tested in people, soil and food … it’s a concern everywhere.”

He said the “plume” would continue to expand by up to 50 per cent in 100 years “even if it could be stopped”. 

“The area of spread will go well beyond Forest Hill, even with Defence’s best efforts to stop it,” Mr Aylward said.

A community information session will be held at Forest Hill in March next year to reveal the findings.

Until then, Brunslea Park Estate manager Sam Brunskill said she was waiting for the official results, before jumping to conclusions. 

“From the discussions we have had with the defence representatives, we believe it is of low impact to the community at this stage,” Ms Brunskill said. “We will wait and see.”

More to add?

Email steff.wills@fairfaxmedia.com.au