New sites tested amid groundwater contamination fears: EPA confirms presence of chemicals
CONTAMINATION fears across the northern suburbs have intensified as three new sites, including a service station, are tested for potentially toxic groundwater.
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CONTAMINATION fears across the northern suburbs have intensified with a further three sites – as close as five kilometres to the Edinburgh RAAF base – confirmed with potentially toxic groundwater.
The EPA has notified nearby businesses and residents about possible groundwater contamination at sites along Port Wakefield Rd in Waterloo Corner.
An EPA spokeswoman confirmed to the Northern Messenger the presence of chemicals in shallow groundwater on the three sites.
It is believed the contamination is related to nutrients used in the ground for the surrounding agriculture industry.
She ruled out any link between the contaminated sites and the nearby RAAF base, saying the discovery was “not considered to be significant”.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were not found at the three sites.
Another site, an On The Run service station on Bridge Rd, was also being tested by the EPA for possible contamination.
An investigation began after a leak of petroleum hydrocarbons from its fuel storage and pumps was suspected.
It is deemed to be low risk.
The findings come after the Defence Department revealed, at a public meeting last month, the confirmation of positive readings for toxins used in firefighting foams at the base for more than 30 years.
Test results released by the department found positive readings for PFOS and PFOA for 13 out of the 20 sites tested checked so far.
The chemicals had been found at seven out of the 12 on-base sites and six out of the eight properties checked in the neighbouring area.
Between 300 to 500 other sites will be tested by the end of the year.
Contact the Defence Department on 1800 957 770 or defenceedinburgh@jbsg.com.au.