Authorities take days to warn public of toxic firefighting foam spill in Brisbane waterways

AUTHORITIES have been slammed for taking three days to alert the public to a substantial spillage of a toxic and possibly cancer-causing chemical into popular Brisbane fishing spots.

People fishing in the Brisbane River yesterday, unaware a toxic foam spill has contaminated the water. Pictures: Jack Tran

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A DEADLY foam spill at the Brisbane Airport has exposed hundreds of people to the same cancerous chemicals that last year poisoned Oakey’s water supply.

Authorities have been slammed for not warning the public about the spread of toxic chemicals into popular fishing spots until more than three days after the spill occurred.

About 22,000 litres of toxic firefighting foam was released from a faulty sprinkler system at a Brisbane Airport Qantas hangar on Monday night, containing the hazardous perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

An environmental officer advises boaties of the dangers of eating fish from the Brisbvane River following a chemical spill.

The same chemical was last year found to have poisoned Oakey’s water supply. An investigation by The Courier-Mail resulted in a $55 million Federal Government assistance package for affected Oakey residents.

This week’s debacle has seen levels of PFOA contaminants spread to several waterways, including Bulimba Creek, Brisbane River, Nudgee Beach and Shorncliffe.

The toxic chemicals have been linked to a range of human health effects, including cancer, liver and kidney disease and developmental issues.

The substantial spillage was not made public until yesterday and a warning was prompted by the Chief Health Officer only because of the long weekend.

Environmental officers Andrew Connor and Katrina Wood with Environment Minister Steven Miles near the mouth of the Brisbane River yesterday.

National Toxic Network chemical expert Dr Mariann Lloyd Smith has slammed the State Government for not issuing a warning earlier.

“This is an appalling breach of chemical management,” she said.

“Yes, the chemical dilutes, but it doesn’t disappear. I’m glad people have been told not to touch the fish, but the fact it took three days and they announced on a day when people are on holidays and not watching the news is concerning.”

People were spotted fishing in contaminated areas yesterday, with some unaware of the contamination.

An investigation has been launched at state and federal level into the cause of the spillage.

In a statement, Qantas said most foam was contained, but some had made its way into a nearby creek.

Environment Minister Steven Miles said the chemicals were likely to have been diluted, despite urging people not to eat seafood from the contaminated area.