What are PFAS?

Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals which include Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) and Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS).

First produced in the 1940s and 1950s, PFAS are very effective at resisting heat, stains, grease and water. Because of this, they were used in the manufacturing of numerous commercial and industrial products such as upholstery, textiles, hydraulic fluid, non-stick cookware, food packaging, Scotchgard and firefighting foams.

PFAS are highly mobile and do not break down in the environment so they can last for a long time. Due to their widespread use and durability in the environment, PFAS can be found around the globe in soils, surface water and groundwater.

How are people exposed to PFAS?

There are currently no clear guidelines for safe concentrations of PFAS in human blood.

It is important to be aware that everyone in the community has some level of exposure through contact with ordinary household items and therefore would have some level of PFAS in their blood.

It is estimated that up to 98 % of the world’s population would have PFAS detectable in their blood due to household exposure.

People can be exposed to PFAS by:

  • Using products made with PFAS or that are packaged in materials containing PFAS
  • Eating food contaminated with PFAS (such as food grown using contaminated groundwater)
  • Drinking water contaminated with PFAS (such as bore water)
  • Working in occupations such as firefighting or chemical manufacturing and processing
  • Ingesting or inhaling contaminated soil or dust
  • Skin contact with materials containing PFAS.

PFAS are naturally removed, very slowly from the human body. This means when people are repeatedly exposed to PFAS, it can accumulate in their bodies.

Does PFAS affect people’s health?

Please see the SA Health website for the most up to date information.

PFAS use by the MFS

State-wide, all MFS appliances carry modern firefighting foams that do not contain PFOS or PFOA (types of PFAS) and are fluorine free.

The MFS proactively began phasing out foams containing PFOS in 2007 and PFOA in 2014 after extensive research, consultation, and liaison with both the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) South Australia.

It is estimated that Class B Firefighting Foams, used to contain vapours and extinguish fires in flammable liquids such as fuel, containing PFOS or PFOA were introduced by fire services in the mid1970s.

Historically, PFOS and PFOA compound firefighting foams were used on rare occasions, and not routinely by the MFS.

The MFS proactively replaced all firefighting foam in 2016 as a precaution, to ensure the MFS stocks only modern, fluorine free foam.

During 2017-2018, after consultation with industry providers, the MFS proactively decided to remove all fire extinguishers containing PFAS.

The MFS is working with other Australian and international agencies to ensure our practices and work health and safety is of a world standard.

MFS PFAS Investigations

MFS are conducting environmental investigations to examine and manage the potential presence and impacts of PFAS on and in the vicinity of our sites. All MFS sites across South Australia are being assessed where firefighting foams containing PFAS were used and stored. The EPA oversees the progress of MFS PFAS investigations. Investigations are undertaken by experienced and suitably qualified environmental service providers and in accordance with the relevant and current national and state guidelines.

The following sites are where MFS investigations are currently underway or have already occurred:

PFAS Information – Helpful links

The MFS recommends the following sources for current and reliable information about PFAS.

Australian Government 

Department of Health PFAS Information Line: 1800 941 180 (For any health enquiries, please note they are not medically trained)

Australian Government PFAS website

Australian Government PFAS Health Advice

South Australia – Local Advice

Australian Government Department of Health Information Sheet ‘Health Based Guidance Values for PFAS – for use in site investigations in Australia’:

MFS

MFS website - PFAS Information

EPA

General PFAS Information

EPA Bore Water Information

SA Health

SA Health – PFAS

EnHealth

EnHealth Guidance Statement on PFAS – Statement

US EPA

US EPA - PFAS

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

ATSDR - Health effects

Who can I contact?

SA Health’s Scientific Services – Phone (08) 8226 7100

SA Health’s Health Protection & Licensing Service – Phone: (08) 8226 7100.

MFS PFAS - Email:  mfs.pfas@eso.sa.gov.au or Phone: 1800 325 110

SA EPA – Phone: (08) 8204 2004 or Email: epasitecontam@epa.sa.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions

PFAS

As explained by SA Health, PFAS has been present in a range of industrial, commercial and consumer products since the 1950s, including;

  • Non-stick cookware
  • Heat-resistant products
  • Stain protection products
  • Food packaging
  • Firefighting foams.

Please see the SA Health website for the most up to date information.

There are currently no clear guidelines for safe concentrations of either PFOS or PFOA (PFAS) in human blood.

It is important to be aware that everyone in the community has some level of exposure through contact with ordinary household items and therefore would have some level of PFAS in their blood.

It is estimated that up to 98 % of the world’s population would have PFAS detectable in their blood due to household exposure.

As explained by the Australian Government PFAS Taskforce, ‘A blood test can measure the level of PFAS in a person’s blood. If PFAS is detected, this tells a person that they have been exposed to PFAS. However, these tests are not routine and there is at present insufficient scientific evidence for a medical practitioner to be able to tell a person whether their blood level will make them sick now or later in life, or if any current health problems are related to the PFAS levels found in their blood. As such, blood tests have no diagnostic or prognostic value.’

The National Library of Medicine has released Clinical Guidance for Clinicians on PFAS Exposure, Testing and Clinical Follow Up.

The MFS is working with other Australian and international agencies to ensure our practices and work health and safety is of a world standard.

It is important to be aware that everyone in the community has some level of exposure through contact with ordinary household items and therefore would have some level of PFAS in their blood.

It is estimated that up to 98 % of the world’s population would have PFAS detectable in their blood due to household exposure.

People can be exposed to PFAS by:

  • Using products made with PFAS or that are packaged in materials containing PFAS.
  • Eating food contaminated with PFAS (such as food grown using contaminated groundwater)
  • Drinking water contaminated with PFAS (such as bore water)
  • Working in occupations such as firefighting or chemicals manufacturing and processing
  • Ingesting or inhaling contaminated soil or dust
  • Skin contact with materials containing PFAS.

Although there is currently no accepted clinical treatment to reduce levels of PFAS in the human body, the MFS offered a program to its current and former employees with the goal to accelerate the removal of PFAS from blood. The MFS PFAS Reduction Program was developed in consultation with SA Health, SafeWork SA and a medical practitioner. The program was developed in an attempt to lower the levels of PFAS in each participant’s blood. The voluntary program was MFS funded, via the Government of South Australia, to include consultation with a GP and treatment costs for MFS staff and family members with PFAS levels exceeding gender-specific occupational averages. If they opted to have treatment, the treatments included:

  • Cholestyramine (an oral bile-sequestering agent used to lower cholesterol)
  • Plasma donation
  • Combination of cholestyramine and plasma donation.

Reductions in serum PFOS and PFHxS levels were observed in all treatment groups. Preliminary data indicates that serum PFAS does not ‘rebound’ after treatment stopped. Some participants are still undergoing voluntary treatment. A scientific paper is being produced by the MFS, SA Health and EnviroLab in which the full results of the PFAS Reduction Program will be published.

Information for the general public regarding community exposure and testing is available from SA Health.

Largs North Fire Station and the surrounding community

In December 2018, Largs North Fire Station was identified as possibly having PFAS contamination and therefore, testing was undertaken of the station, fire appliance (truck) and Gallantry (firefighting boat).

Testing indicated that elevated PFAS levels were present in soil at the rear of the station and in garden produce (fruit, eggs) from the rear of the fire station.

The MFS removed the PFAS exposure pathways at Largs North Fire Station and remediated the station.

In January 2019, the MFS enlisted scientific testing company GHD to dig four wells on the grounds of Largs North Fire Station to test groundwater for potential PFAS levels.

The testing found levels in each of the wells to be above the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) Criteria for drinking water and three of the wells were above recreational criteria.

Further testing has found PFAS to extend outside the boundary of Largs North Fire Station.

The MFS arranged for wells to be drilled at 23 locations outside the boundary of Largs North Fire Station to determine PFAS levels in groundwater.

The testing of wells that occurred in the residential neighbourhood bordered by Willochra St, Riverina St, Paluma St and Victoria Rd found:

  • PFAS Levels in the groundwater in the neighbourhood are above drinking water guidelines specified in the Australian Government Department of Health “Health Based Guidance Values for PFAS”. However, PFAS levels in groundwater in this residential area are significantly lower than those at Largs North Fire Station.

In 2019, residents living within the above highlighted residential area (bounded by Willochra St, Riverina St, Paluma St and Victoria Rd at Largs North) were advised to cease consuming garden produce as a precaution. This advice to residents has now CHANGED. Please read FAQ “What is the latest information regarding testing of residential garden produce at Largs North?”.

In January 2020, the MFS tested ripe fruit from gardens at three homes at different locations across the residential area bounded by Willochra St, Riverina St, Paluma St and Victoria Rd at Largs North.

Testing of the produce was conducted with the permission of the residents of those three properties. Test results of garden produce from the local residential area did not find any detectable levels of PFAS.

Test results of garden produce from the local residential area did not find any detectable levels of PFAS.

The laboratory used by GHD can test to 0.5 microgram per kilogram (µg/kg), and the Australian Food Standard for PFAS in fruit is 0.6 microgram per kilogram (µg/kg). No PFAS reading was detectable in any of the garden produce tested.

For residents in an area of Largs North bordered by Willochra St, Riverina St, Paluma St and Victoria Rd:

SA Health advises that the results from produce testing undertaken by the MFS indicate that there are no concerns about exposure to PFAS through the consumption of garden produce – in the above specified neighbourhood area of Largs North.

Testing of residential garden produce in the residential area opposite Largs North Fire Station did not find detectable levels of PFAS in ripe garden produce. Therefore, in February 2020, SA Health provided updated advice for local residents regarding garden produce (please see just above this question).

The information provided below is background information specific to Largs North Fire Station and firefighters.

On advice from environmental consultants GHD, all MFS firefighters ceased consumption of garden produce from Largs North Fire Station, such as fruit, vegetables and eggs.

The MFS did not have a bore at the fire station, nor did firefighters water their produce with groundwater. The MFS has found that due to the sandy soil and shallow groundwater, the plant roots took up the groundwater directly, distributing the PFAS from the groundwater into the foliage and produce.

No. SA Health advises that people residing within the boundaries of Willochra St, Riverina St, Paluma St and Victoria Rd at Largs North should not use bore water for any purpose, including human consumption and watering gardens.

If you reside outside of the above-mentioned area, please visit the SA Health and EPA websites (links below).

SA Health:

Bore water | SA Health

SA EPA:

https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/environmental_info/site_contamination/groundwater

Yes. In the Largs North region, mains (tap) water is not sourced from groundwater.

Scientific testing of mains water at Largs North Fire Station in December 2018 found that PFAS levels were below laboratory detection limits.

In the unlikely event you have elected to modify your home's water supply to use groundwater in replacement of mains water, please follow the advice of SA Health and the EPA regarding ground water.

Links to further information on this issue from both agencies are provided, one question before this one (See above).

SAWater - Your tap water’s quality and testing

St Marys Fire Station and the surrounding community

MFS undertook soil testing at all its fire stations in 2019. Two soil samples were taken at St Marys station which showed PFAS present, but below the NEMP Residential Criteria set at the time.

PFAS was identified in soil and groundwater surrounding St Marys station during the North-South Corridor (Torrens to Darlington) works in 2021 and a S83a contamination notice was submitted to the EPA The EPA requested the MFS to undertake further soil and groundwater testing at St Marys station in late 2022.

As explained by the EPA, chemicals from historical industrial practices at several source sites have contaminated the groundwater in portions of Tonsley, Clovelly Park, Mitchell Park and Marion. These chemicals include petroleum and chlorinated hydrocarbons such as tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE) and their degradation products, metals, per- and poly-fluroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cyanide.

A groundwater prohibition area (GPA) was established on 8 April 2021 in portions of Tonsley, Clovelly Park, Mitchell Park and Marion. Although St Marys Fire Station is located outside the boundary, it is in close proximity to the GPA, see EPA GPA map.

Further investigations at St Marys Station by the MFS and working in conjunction with DIT and EPA are currently being undertaken to determine the extent of PFAS contamination and potential environmental risk associated with historical St Marys Fire Station activities. Results from these investigations will be made available when they are complete.

SA Health advises that people residing within the boundaries of the groundwater prohibition area should not use bore water for any purpose, including human consumption and watering gardens.

If you reside outside of the GPA, please see SA Health and EPA for more information.

The MFS are undertaking annual groundwater events in 2022 and 2023 to monitor the stability of PFAS in the groundwater below the station and the surrounding neighbourhood.

In 2022, PFAS levels in groundwater below the neighbourhood remained above the drinking water guidelines in some samples but are still significantly lower than underneath the Largs North Fire Station. The monitoring found some variation in PFAS concentration, although the plume is generally stable.

The 2023 groundwater monitoring occurred in May 2023. Results will be uploaded when available.

MFS Use of PFAS

Historically, the MFS has used Class B Firefighting Foams (for flammable liquids) containing perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). These products include aqueous film forming foam containing PFOS and foam containing PFOA, both having been used on a limited number of fuel fires since the 1970s.

The MFS proactively commenced phasing out the use of PFOS in 2007 and PFOA in 2014 after extensive research, consultation and liaison with both the Australian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

PFOS and PFOA compound Firefighting Foams were used on rare occasions and only for specific fuel fires and were not routinely used by the MFS.

In January 2018, South Australia became the first state to ban all fluorinated firefighting foams (not just PFOA and PFOS containing foams). There was a two year change over period in place, to ensure all facilities changed to fluorine free foam by early 2020.

The MFS proactively commenced phasing out foams containing PFOS in 2007 and PFOA in 2014 after extensive research, consultation and liaison with AFAC and the EPA.

At that point in time, PFAS were not banned for use; the MFS’ decision was a proactive one. The EPA implemented a phased ban in 2018.

No. The MFS does not store nor use PFAS any longer.

Please see PFAS use by the MFS in the Community information section.

Download this information here: PFAS FAQ Community. (PDF 587KB)

Community Reporting

MFS has begun investigation works at Adelaide Fire Station (located on Wakefield Street) to better understand the presence of per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.

In 2017, a Preliminary Site Investigation and two subsequent samplings took place. Testing included the stormwater retention pit, soil, sediment and surface water.

In July 2021, a Groundwater Monitoring Event was carried out and a subsequent Groundwater Assessment was completed in October 2021.

In late 2022, a Sampling Analysis Quality Plan and Detailed Site Investigation was completed.

In October 2023, a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment was completed. This included delineation of the nature and extent of off-site surface water and stormwater.

Next Steps

The site’s stormwater retention pit is to be decommissioned to remove the source likely contributing to stormwater PFAS concentrations. A site management plan will be developed to manage the existing PFAS contamination.

Reports

30 October 2023 - Adelaide Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment

22 December 2022 - Adelaide Station Detailed Investigation

July 2021 - Adelaide Station Groundwater Monitoring Event

MFS has begun investigation works at Angle Park Fire Station and adjoining properties (located on Grand Junction Road) to better understand the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site. The Angle Park Facilities encompass the MFS Fire Station, the Engineering Workshop and Angle Park Training Centre. Additionally, areas of the site are used by SA Urban Search and Rescue (part of MFS) (east) and an area owned or leased by SA Power Networks (south).

The objective of this investigation is to identify the presence, nature, and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the site. Investigation findings will be used to identify site-specific management actions to address potential PFAS impacts.

The following stages of the investigation have now been completed. Documents are available under the reports section below.

In August 2023, a Preliminary Site Investigation including a desktop historical review, site inspection, and limited sampling was undertaken. As a result, a number of potentially complete exposure pathways were identified.

In September 2023, a Sampling Analysis Quality Plan was completed.

Next Steps

A Detailed Site Investigation is currently being prepared.

Reports

2023 - Angle Park Preliminary Site Investigation

MFS has begun investigation works at Camden Park Fire Station (located on Morphett Road) to better understand the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.

The objective of this investigation is to identify the presence, nature, and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the site. Investigation findings will be used to identify site-specific management actions to address potential PFAS impacts.

The following stages of the investigation have now been completed. Documents are available under the reports section below.

In July 2023, a Preliminary Site Investigation including a desktop historical review, site inspection, and limited sampling was undertaken. As a result, a number of potentially complete exposure pathways were identified.

In September 2023, a Sampling Analysis Quality Plan was completed.

Next Steps

The Detailed Site Investigation will be reviewed by the EPA to determine the next steps.

Reports

2024 -  Camden Park Detailed Site Investigation

2023 - Camden Park Preliminary Site Investigation

MFS has begun investigation works at the permanently closed Christie Downs Fire Station (located on Holman Road) to better understand the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.

The objective of this investigation is to identify the presence, nature, and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the site. Investigation findings will be used to identify site-specific management actions to address potential PFAS impacts.

The following stages of the investigation have now been completed. Documents are available under the reports section below.

In April 2023, a Preliminary Site Investigation including a desktop historical review, site inspection, and limited sampling was undertaken. As a result, a number of potentially complete exposure pathways were identified.

In June 2023, a Sampling Analysis Quality Plan was completed.

Next Steps

The Detailed Site Investigation will be reviewed by the EPA to determine next steps.

Reports

2023 - Christie Downs Detailed Site Investigation 

2023 - Christie Downs Detailed Site Investigation

MFS begun investigation works at Largs North Fire Station (located on Willochra Street) in 2018 to better understand the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site. Works have been completed in accordance with a SA EPA accredited site auditor.

In December 2018, Largs North Fire Station was identified as possibly having PFAS contamination and therefore, testing was undertaken of the station, fire appliance (truck) and Gallantry (firefighting boat).

Testing indicated that elevated PFAS levels were present in soil at the rear of the station and in garden produce (fruit, eggs) from the rear of the fire station.

The MFS removed the PFAS exposure pathways at Largs North Fire Station and remediated the station.

In 2019, further testing of soil and groundwater was conducted and found PFAS to extend outside the boundary of the MFS Largs North Fire Station.

In 2020, a Detailed Site Investigation was completed.

In September 2021, a Remediation Options Assessment was completed. Remedial actions completed include removal of chickens that were formerly being kept at the site, removal of vegetation (fruit trees), providing a barrier to limit access to soils beneath the site, replacement of air conditioning ducts, and interior cleaning. There has also been ongoing consultation and updates provided to the local community.

A Site Management Plan/Groundwater Monitoring and Management Plan has been developed for ongoing management of PFAS impacts in soil and groundwater.

Two groundwater monitoring events (2022 and 2023) have now been completed in accordance with the plan.

Next Steps

Further Groundwater Monitoring Events will be undertaken in 2024 and 2025 to continue monitoring the stability of the groundwater plume.

Reports

May 2023 - Largs North Groundwater Residential Survey Results Map (for local residents)

16 August 2022 - Largs North Groundwater Monitoring Management Plan

2021 - Largs North Groundwater report

18 October 2021 - MFS Largs North residential PFAS Update Brochure (for local residents)

24 September 2021 - Largs North Station Remediation Options Assessment

April 2021 - Largs North Groundwater Monitoring Event

10 February 2020 - Largs North Resident Fruit Testing Letter

October 2019 - Largs North Groundwater Monitoring Event

27 August 2019 - 2019 Residential door knock and letterbox drop area regarding PFAS and Largs North Fire Station (map)

2019 - Largs North Groundwater report

18 October 2023  - Largs North Fire Station Groundwater PFAS Investigation

MFS has completed investigation works at Mount Barker Fire Station (located on Secker Road) to develop a baseline level. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has never been used by the MFS at the site.

In April 2023, soil sampling for PFAS was undertaken and found insignificant PFAS concentrations. No further investigations are occurring at this station.

Reports

2023 - Mt Barker Surface Soil Assessment

MFS has completed investigation works at Noarlunga Fire Station (located on Goldsmith Drive) to develop a baseline level. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has never been used by the MFS at the site.

In April 2023, soil sampling for PFAS was undertaken and found insignificant PFAS concentrations. No further investigations are occurring at this station.

Reports

2023 - Noarlunga Station Soil Assessment

MFS has begun investigation works at Oakden Fire Station (located on Grand Junction Road) to better understand the presence of per- and fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.

The objective of this investigation is to identify the presence, nature, and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the site. Investigation findings will be used to identify site-specific management actions to address potential PFAS impacts.

The following stages of the investigation have now been completed. Documents are available under the reports section below.

In April 2023, a Preliminary Site Investigation including a desktop historical review, site inspection, and limited sampling was undertaken. As a result, a number of potentially complete exposure pathways were identified.

In May 2023, a Sampling Analysis Quality Plan was completed.

Next Steps

The Detailed Site Investigation will be reviewed by the EPA to determine next steps.

Reports

2023 - Oakden Station  Detailed Site Investigation

2023 - Oakden Station Preliminary Site Investigation

MFS has begun investigation works at Peterborough Fire Station (located on Main Street) to better understand the presence of per- and fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.

The objective of this investigation is to identify the presence, nature, and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the site. Investigation findings will be used to identify site-specific management actions to address potential PFAS impacts.

The following stages of the investigation have now been completed. Documents are available under the reports section below.

In June 2023, a Preliminary Site Investigation including a desktop historical review, site inspection, and limited sampling was undertaken. As a result, a number of potentially complete exposure pathways were identified.

In July 2023, a Sampling Analysis Quality Plan was completed.

Next Steps

A Detailed Site Investigation is currently being prepared.

Reports

2023 - Peterborough Preliminary Site Investigation

MFS has begun investigation works at Port Adelaide Fire Station (located on Corner of Grand Junction Road and Langham Place) to better understand the presence of per- and fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.

The objective of this investigation is to identify the presence, nature, and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the site. Investigation findings will be used to identify site-specific management actions to address potential PFAS impacts.

The following stages of the investigation have now been completed. Documents are available under the reports section below.

In July 2023, a Preliminary Site Investigation including a desktop historical review, site inspection, and limited sampling was undertaken. As a result, a number of potentially complete exposure pathways were identified.

In September 2023, a Sampling Analysis Quality Plan was completed.

Next Steps

The Detailed Site Investigation will be reviewed by the EPA to determine next steps.

Reports

2024 - Port Adelaide Detailed Site Investigation

2023 - Port Adelaide Preliminary Site Investigation

MFS has begun investigation works at Port Augusta Fire Station (located on Trent Road) to better understand the presence of per- and fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.

The objective of this investigation is to identify the presence, nature, and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the site. Investigation findings will be used to identify site-specific management actions to address potential PFAS impacts.

The following stages of the investigation have now been completed. Documents are available under the reports section below.

In August 2023, a Preliminary Site Investigation including a desktop historical review, site inspection, and limited sampling was undertaken. As a result, a number of potentially complete exposure pathways were identified.

In August 2023, a Sampling Analysis Quality Plan was completed.

Next Steps

A Detailed Site Investigation is currently being prepared.

Reports

2023 - Port Augusta Preliminary Site Investigation

MFS has begun investigation works at Port Pirie Fire Station (located on Grey Terrace) to better understand the presence of per- and fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.

The objective of this investigation is to identify the presence, nature, and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the site. Investigation findings will be used to identify site-specific management actions to address potential PFAS impacts.

The following stages of the investigation have now been completed. Documents are available under the reports section below.

In June 2023, a Preliminary Site Investigation including a desktop historical review, site inspection, and limited sampling was undertaken. As a result, a number of potentially complete exposure pathways were identified.

In August 2023, a Sampling Analysis Quality Plan was completed.

Next Steps

The Detailed Site Investigation will be reviewed by the EPA to determine next steps.

Reports

2024 - Port Pirie Detailed Site Investigation

2023 - Port Pirie Preliminary Site Investigation

MFS has begun investigation works at St Marys Fire Station (located on South Road) to better understand the presence of per- and fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.

The objective of this investigation is to identify the presence, nature, and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the site. Investigation findings will be used to identify site-specific management actions to address potential PFAS impacts.

The following stages of the investigation have now been completed. Documents are available under the reports section below.

In 2019, MFS undertook soil testing at all its fire stations. Two soil samples were taken at St Marys station which showed PFAS present, but below the National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) Residential Criteria set at the time.

In 2021, PFAS was identified in soil and groundwater surrounding St Marys Station during the North-South Corridor (Torrens to Darlington) works.

In September 2023, a Preliminary Site Investigation was completed.

In June 2023, a Detailed Site Investigation was completed including onsite and offsite sampling and laboratory analysis of soil and groundwater.

Following a review of reports for the site by the EPA, a series of data gaps were identified. It was recommended by the EPA that further investigation works be completed on and off site.

In October 2023, a letterbox drop to surrounding residents occurred to gain a better understanding of resident’s groundwater within the area surrounding St Marys Fire Station.

Next Steps

A Sampling Analysis Quality Plan and Detailed Site Investigation are currently being developed and will be reviewed and approved by a SA EPA accredited site auditor.

Reports

2022 - EPA groundwater prohibition map

2022 - St Marys Preliminary Site Investigation

2023 - St Marys Detailed Site Investigation