The Department of Defence says signage for recreational fishers regarding PFAS contamination will be installed when Kiewa River levels fall.
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"On 24 November 2020, the Department of Defence provided an update to the community on the detailed environmental investigation into the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and in the vicinity of the Bandiana Military Area.
"The data from the Risk Assessment, including results of fish sampling undertaken, has been reviewed by Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria.
"Based on the fish sampling results, EPA Victoria has released consumption advice for carp caught in waterbodies adjacent to North and East Bandiana."
The EPA advises states: "Do not eat carp caught in the Kiewa River between Bakers Lane and the Cudgewa-Wodonga Rail Trail, inclusive of the flood plain area bound by Bakers Lane and the Murray Valley Highway."
"This advice is only about carp and does not include other fish species."
The signage and containment of a PFAS groundwater plume were actions recommended to Defence.
Use of groundwater from Kiewa River floodplains for vegetables and eggs was considered a "potentially unacceptable risk to human health".
Consumption of sheep raised on the base, military personnel's direct contact with soil, consumption of Murray Cod from Kiewa River and swimming were considered low and acceptable risks to human health.
IN OTHER NEWS:
EPA Victoria provides advice in other areas such as Gippsland about the potential of contamination from PFAS, which were used in firefighting foam.
"There is no consistent evidence that PFAS are harmful to human health," EPA states.
"However, since these chemicals accumulate and remain in humans and the environment ... exposure to PFAS be minimised wherever possible."
