Levels of per-fluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances – commonly referred to as PFAS – were detected in the Forest Hill earlier this year following an investigation. 

The Department of Defence held a community walk-in session at the International Hotel on Tuesday night to discuss the results. 

Wagga father of two, Andy Helmboldt moved into the region more than two years ago.

“I came along because I was worried about my living area,” he said. “I have two kids and I wanted to have more information about this and now I understand a lot more about what they are doing.

“I feel secure knowing more about it and I will follow it up, but have no more concerns at the moment.” 

Chris Birrer, the first assistant secretary for infrastructure for the Department of Defence, said the report found that, overall, the potential exposure risks are low and acceptable. 

“There were two instances where there could be more elevated risks, but they’re confined to people who source a really high level of seafood from the Murrumbidgee and Marshall’s Creek and we haven’t met anyone who says they have sourced those amounts,” he said. 

“The highest readings were among those fish not usually targeted by anglers, such as carp and smelt.

“Secondly, people who produce a large amount of homegrown fruit, vegetables or eggs using PFAS-impacted water and the people we have encountered have been using reticulated town water which we know is PFAS-free.”

Mr Birrer said the next step is to develop an ongoing monitoring management plan to ensure the data remains consistent. 

Forest Hill resident Brian Thompson said he decided to attend the session as he has been following the progress.

“They have been very honest and open about it and they are not trying to hide things,” he said. 

President of the Forest Hill Progress Association, Kevin Kerr, said he had been interested in the issue because it’s “all coming down the back” of his home. 

“It looks like there is nothing to be concerned about,” he said. 

“Unfortunately because the RAAF is the first to investigate – not the first to ever use PFAS – they are getting the blame.” 

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