Norfolk Island PFAS monitoring and management

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts continues to monitor and manage per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on Norfolk Island related to the historical use of firefighting foam at the airport.

Environmental consultants Senversa returned to island in late June 2024 for the third round of annual monitoring, sampling 36 surface water, groundwater and sediment locations.

The results showed a general reduction in PFAS levels since the 2023 monitoring.

The monitoring report is now publicly available on the Department’s website (https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/territories/norfolk-island/pfas).

Senversa was first commissioned by the Australian Government to complete a comprehensive PFAS environmental investigation after elevated levels of PFAS were detected within the Mission Creek catchment directly below the aviation fire services training drill ground, adjacent to Norfolk Island International Airport in December 2019. All reports are publicly available on the departmental website.

The department is committed to continuing to work closely with Norfolk Island Regional Council and the community on response actions to manage PFAS risk, which includes the removal of legacy firefighting foam from on island.

If you have questions or would like further information, we encourage you contact the Department on 23315 or email ni.infrastructure@infrastructure.gov.au. For further information on PFAS, please go to www.pfas.gov.au.