PFAS Investigation &
Management Program
RAAF Base Williamtown
RAAF Base Williamtown PFAS Investigation
Summary of the Investigation
All findings from the investigation are being made available on the publications page including detailed reports and factsheets.
Defence is now focusing on management and remediation of PFAS contamination within the Management Area.
The outcomes of the investigation are being used to develop a PFAS Management Area Plan that will outline the best management and remediation solutions for the unique circumstances at Williamtown.
The management initiatives that are currently underway or soon to commence include:
- Water Treatment Plants at Lake Cochran, Moors Drain and at construction sites
- Provision of alternative water to eligible residents
- Provision of town water connections to eligible residents
- Open drain excavation and containment
- Planned removal of PFAS source area
Defence is committed to regularly updating the community throughout the management and remediation process. As well as community information sessions, updates are provided through the project website, direct mail and information sheets as new information becomes available.
Management Area
The Williamtown Expert Panel, led by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Mary O’Kane AC, has made some changes to the Williamtown precautionary advice and the investigation area. This follows a review of the Defence’s final Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) report.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has established a Management Area which comprises of three zones. The Management Area and Investigation Area do not overlap compeltely. The Management Area is smaller in some areas and larger in other areas including Fullerton Cove and additional streets in Salt Ash.
The Australian Government will extend its voluntary blood testing program, epidemiological study and mental health and counselling services to the expanded management area.
Further information on the expanded management area is available at the NSW EPA website.
Further information on blood testing, the epidemiological study and mental health and councelling services is available at the Department of Health website.
