Investigations and findings

In June 2018, Defence completed investigations into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination on and around HMAS Albatross. Defence recognises that PFAS contamination at HMAS Albatross is a significant issue for the local community. Defence is committed to working with other Commonwealth agencies and the NSW Government to manage, remediate and monitor PFAS contamination in the area.

The investigations found that PFAS are mostly concentrated in areas where firefighting foams were previously disposed of, used or stored. These are called source areas. PFAS at these locations can be found in soil and in water flowing through the source areas. PFAS moves in surface water flowing through drains and creeks, or groundwater that flows underground through soil and rock.

Three source areas were identified where PFAS concentrations required further study or action:

  • the former firefighting training area
  • the hangars and flight lines
  • sewage treatment plant.

Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment

Defence conducted a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment to measure. The PFAS exposure risks to people living, working and undertaking recreational activities within the management area and to local plant and animal life.

This assessment found PFAS contamination from HMAS Albatross presented an elevated exposure risk to human health and to local plant and animal life in some locations. More details can be found in the Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment factsheet located in the ‘Recent reports and factsheets’ section below.

To support communities reduce their exposure to PFAS from Defence and other sources, the NSW Environment Protection Authority has issued precautionary dietary advice for Shoalhaven River and Currambene Creek.

Additional investigations

Defence conducted a PFAS movement assessment that tracks how and where PFAS are moving from source areas and how much PFAS are leaving the base. This study helped determine the best remediation actions to reduce the amount of PFAS leaving HMAS Albatross. 

The assessment found that PFAS mainly moves off the base in surface water when it rains, and most PFAS moves off the base via the Braidwood Drain.

Remediation and management

The aim of remediation is to minimise PFAS leaving the base by focusing on the remediation and management of the source areas. Over time this will contribute to the reduction of PFAS in the management area. Defence has a PFAS Management Area Plan for HMAS Albatross setting out the proposed remedial works and other management actions to manage potential risks presented by PFAS.

A remediation action plan has been prepared for the former firefighting training area. The remediation approach will include installing an engineered capping layer over the contaminated soil to create a barrier between PFAS contaminated soils and water that may drain off the site. This barrier will reduce the amount of PFAS moving into the surface water through rainwater runoff.

Improvements to the surrounding drainage system are required to allow installation of the engineered capping layer. Construction of the drainage improvements is expected to commence at the same time as HMAS Albatross runway refurbishment works. The design of the capping layer is being finalised, and construction is expected to commence in mid-2026.

Additional investigations are being undertaken to determine appropriate remediation at the remaining source areas. Where required, remediation action plans will be prepared.

Ongoing monitoring

Monitoring of PFAS continues on and around HMAS Albatross through sampling of surface water and groundwater twice a year. Monitoring helps Defence understand if PFAS contamination ischanging over time.

Monitoring results to date have found no significant changes to how PFAS are moving in the management area. However, the planned remedial works are expected to reduce PFAS from leaving the base, and over time this will contribute to the reduction of PFAS in the management area.

Results are published in an Ongoing Monitoring Report and factsheet. Defence will inform the community if changes to the management approach are required.

Recent reports and factsheets

Reports and factsheets from the PFAS Investigation and Management Program are available to download. All website links and contact details in these documents were correct at the time of publication. Contact pfas.enquiry@defence.gov.au to discuss these documents.

Document archive

The HMAS Albatross document archive contains information that Defence has published about the management of PFAS, including older community presentations, investigation reports, risk assessments and factsheets.

Some archived information has been superseded by recent reports and factsheets.

Documents Archive - Albatross (PDF, 231.08 KB)

Last review: 27 February 2026