Long-awaited findings into the PFAS contamination at Wagga’s RAAF Base will be revealed on Thursday.
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It follows the completion of a detailed site investigation at the Forest Hill site, that began in September last year.
The initial discovery of per-fluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in areas outside military bases, including RAAF Base Wagga, prompted further investigation in 2016.
These chemicals were ingredients found in firefighting foam a number of agencies, including RAAF, used from the ‘70s to 2008.
While Forest Hill residents were reassured preliminary testing had returned results in very low concentrations, a detailed site investigation was launched.
The chemicals are highly persistent, have been shown to be toxic to fish and some animals and can accumulate in the bodies of fish, animals and people who come into contact with them.
However, an independent health panel, established by the federal government, found no current evidence to support claims exposure to poly-fluoroalkyl substances – PFAS – greatly impacted a person’s health.
Despite this claim, fears remain: Read more here.
The results of a detailed site investigation into the PFAS contamination at Forest Hill will be made public on Thursday, June 7.
Residents are invited to the Community Walk-in Session at Forest Hill Public School Hall from 1pm to 6pm, with presentations held at 2pm and 5pm.
According to the Department of Defence, the investigation involved an extensive sampling program of soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater within the outlined area for study.
As a result, samples were collected from about 350 locations between September last year and February 2018.
These included more than 380 soil samples, almost 80 ground water samples and more than 80 surface water and sediment samples were collected from 350 locations between September last year and February 2018.
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