Update on Norfolk Island PFAS 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 May 2023 for the second round of annual monitoring, sampling 55 surface water, groundwater and sediment locations.

The results showed a general reduction in PFAS levels since the 2022 monitoring. PFAS concentrations were also below the limit of reporting in Emily Bay, indicating that human health and ecological risks are low and acceptable. The monitoring report is now publicly available on the Department’s website (https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/territories/norfolk-island/pfas).

Elevated levels of per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (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.

Senversa was then commissioned by the Australian Government to complete a comprehensive PFAS environmental investigation to identify the nature and extent of PFAS in the local environment related to the historical use of firefighting foams at the airport. All reports are publicly available on the 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.

Legacy firefighting foam at the Norfolk Island Fire Service station will be removed from the island, transported to the mainland and disposed of by a licensed service provider.

Sampling undertaken at public facilities including the airport terminal, electrical shed, waste transfer centre, council works depot and fire station indicate that replacement of PFAS-affected reticulated water systems at these locations has been successful.

The department, through Senversa, will continue the ongoing PFAS monitoring program sampling and analysis, with the next tests anticipated to occur in the first half of 2024.

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.