Wangaratta Mayor Ken Clarke believes the community should be better informed by the CFA about their monitoring and management of PFAS chemicals.
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His comments follow a Fairfax Media investigation, reflecting on the American experience of contamination and raising subsequent questions about the federal government’s position the chemicals are no major threat to human health.
There are more than 90 sites across the country where PFAS levels and their link with fire retardant use by Defence and other organisations is under the spotlight, including four in our region.
Cr Clarke said he was aware the CFA had been looking into levels at the Wangaratta training facility on Handley Street but had not seen results.
“I think they need to do more to inform council and the community of what they’ve been doing,” he said.
“Fortunately we haven’t got too many residents in that particular area, but if it comes down the creek certainly there might be some concerns … I’d like to see evidence they have actually tested the creek.”
EPA Victoria states water from Three Mile Creek has not returned any PFAS, water supply for the area is safe and “a very low level of PFOS contamination has been detected in an observation bore near the site”.
A CFA spokeswoman said results of testing conducted at all training centres managed by CFA are published on their website, though the 14 tests published were all from on-site locations.
“Independent water testing is conducted regularly,” she said.
“The testing regime was developed with independent environmental consultants and with reference to EPA reporting.
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“Targeted, regular monitoring both on and off site, ensures that the CFA’s management and treatment plans remain effective.”
At all sites including Wangaratta, water management systems will be installed to treat water captured onsite.
CFA has leased a parcel of land adjacent to the existing site and is currently conducting feasibility studies for expansion of the training centre, with the community “to be informed of any decisions”.
Indi MP Cathy McGowan said there had been some inquiry from residents about the PFAS investigation for the Bandiana Military Area.
“I encourage anyone with concerns who has not previously been in touch to contact my Wodonga or Wangaratta office to discuss their situation,” she said.
Ms McGowan said submissions should be made “as a matter of urgency” to a new PFAS-related Parliamentary Inquiry.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are banned in 171 countries, but not Australia.
