Per-and poly-fluoroakyl substances at Royal Australian Air Force Base Wagga
THE Department of Defence yesterday released its Preliminary Sampling Program report into per-and poly- fluoroakyl substances (PFAS) at a dozen Defence properties across Australia, including RAAF Base Wagga.
Samples were taken from three existing offsite bores, in addition to two samples from surface water.
No readings from RAAF Base Wagga exceeded the current interim Australian guideline for drinking water.
As a precaution, however, given there were detections, Defence is proceeding with a detailed investigation to determine the extent and levels of any contamination. This will begin in 2017 and will take about 12 months to conclude.
I understand this matter is of concern to some personnel, staff, residents and businesses in and around the Base. Whilst these further investigations are simply as a matter of precaution, I would encourage those locals with further questions to contact Defence and to attend community briefings on the matter.
There is a fact sheet on PFAS available here -http://www.defence.gov.au/ID/PFOSPFOA/_master/docs/PSPFactSheets/PSPFactSheetWaggaFinal.pdf or from my Wagga Wagga office.