Environmental investigation
Following the detection of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) in groundwater that supplies part of Bundaberg’s water network, the Queensland Government has undertaken investigations to identify potential sources of the release.
This included further sampling of groundwater, surface water, soil and sediment across a number of locations as well as on the ground communication with local business operators to identify any potential use of PFAS firefighting foam or other operations that may utilise PFAS products.
The investigation into the source of the contamination is now complete and the results are provided below.
Overview of results
The Queensland Government worked with the Bundaberg Regional Council in April and May 2018 undertaking further environmental sampling to help locate potential sources of the contamination.
Based on the surface water, soil and sediment sampling results outlined below, the Queensland Government has reason to believe the most likely source of the contamination is from historical firefighting foam training activities at the Bundaberg Regional Airport.
DES will continue working with Bundaberg Regional Council and Queensland Health to ensure appropriate monitoring and management.
Seafood sampling
A preliminary screening assessment of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seafood from Saltwater Creek, Bundaberg was undertaken on 29–30 May 2018 as part of the Svensson Heights PFAS investigation. The sampling was undertaken by Queensland Health with the assistance of Bundaberg Regional Council and Wide Bay Water. The samples included fish (12), mud crabs (7) and prawns (4). Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was detected in one sample of catfish (2µg/kg), which was obtained from Splitters Creek for comparison purposes. This result was below the Australian Government trigger point for investigation (5.6µg/kg). This is the level set by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand below which all population groups, even high consumers of fish, can safely consume on a long-term basis. PFAS was not detected in any of the other samples.
Groundwater sampling
Government agencies carried out further water testing from 22 existing bores (in addition to the Dr Mays Road bore) around the area where contamination was initially detected and the University Drive Landfill facility.
Of the 22 locations sampled, 20 locations returned results below the Commonwealth Department of Health drinking water guideline value for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) of 0.07μg/L.
Two locations at University Drive landfill returned levels just above the drinking water guideline values.
Although the University Drive landfill cannot be ruled out as a potential source of PFAS contamination in the Dr Mays Reservoir supply bore, it is not believed to be the primary source.
See results of the groundwater sampling (PDF, 1.5MB).
Surface water sampling
Surface water sampling was conducted in the catchment of Saltwater Creek North of the Dr Mays Reservoir supply bore, and also in the downstream catchment including the Burnett River. While no readings exceeded the drinking water guideline values, surface water sampling indicated a potential contamination source in the headwaters of Saltwater Creek in the vicinity of the airport. There was insufficient water available for sampling in the upper creek sections to gather additional information.
See results of the surface water sampling (PDF, 1.5MB).
Soil and sediment sampling
In May 2018, sampling of sediment and soil within dry sections of the Saltwater Creek upper catchment and the airport was conducted. One sample of soil in an area used for firefighting training at the Bundaberg Regional Airport (not accessed by the general public) returned a result of 3.07 mg/kg. This exceeds the public open space soil health screening value of 1 mg/kg for PFOS and PFHxS but remains below the screening value of 20 mg/kg for industrial/commercial settings, contained in the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan.