Defence Department to test homes and properties around Edinburgh RAAF base for cancer-causing toxins
PROPERTIES surrounding the Edinburgh RAAF base will be tested for cancer-causing toxins after the Defence Department announced it is expanding its investigation into contamination at the air force headquarters.
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- TESTS: Toxins have infiltrated recycled water systems
PROPERTIES surrounding the Edinburgh RAAF base will be tested for cancer-causing toxins after the Defence Department announced it is expanding its investigation into contamination at the air force headquarters.
The department has not released results from a preliminary inquiry it carried out at the base — but it is believed the base has tested positive for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
The toxins, which do not break down in the environment and have been linked to cancer in people and animals, were used in fire fighting foams at the base until 2004.
The department tested 10 bores and open water courses at the base.
It will now progress to a full inquiry which will include:
TESTING samples of soil, surface water and groundwater on the base and on nearby properties.
REVIEWING the historical use, storage and management of the toxic firefighting foam at the base.
INVESTIGATING pathways and receptors for the potential migration of the chemicals.
CARRYING out community and stakeholder engagement, including a water use survey.
CONDUCTING a human health and ecological risk assessment to evaluate the risks to people and the environment. This will be used to determine how to mitigate any risks.
The full investigation follows a push by the Environment Protection Authority and Salisbury Council.
The organisations wanted the department to widen its investigation after PFOS and PFOA was found in two wetlands in Adelaide’s north.
The Kaurna Park and Edinburgh South Wetlands, near the base, were shut down last month after they tested positive for the toxins.
The wetlands were used to irrigate market gardens, a primary school oval and parks and reserves across the district.
A defence spokeswoman told The Advertiser the organisation would expand its investigation “to determine the nature and extent of ... contamination on and in the vicinity of RAAF Base Edinburgh”.
“Planning for this investigation has already begun and details of this program will be communicated to the community shortly,” she said.
EPA acting director of strategy and business Keith Baldry said the organisation would monitor the inquiry.
“The Defence Department has been liaising with the EPA and is obligated to report any further offsite discoveries of contaminants,” he said.
Environment Minister Ian Hunter said the State Government would provide support when needed.
“The State Government, through the EPA and SA Health, will continue to keep the local community informed of developments in the Department of Defence’s investigation, and assist where necessary or required,” he said.
A Salisbury Council spokesman said the council “fully support the Defence Department’s investigation and will assist as required.”
The Federal Government announced on Thursday it had launched an inquiry into the potential health risks of PFOS and PFOA.
As a first step, it appointed an independent consultant to review the draft Australian drinking water guidelines for PFOS and PFOA.
The draft allowable levels, released in June, were more than 70 times the level permitted in the United States.