Investigations and findings
In May 2019, Defence completed detailed investigations into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination on and around Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt Areas A & B.
The investigations found that exposure risks to people, plants and animals were low. Additionally, findings from the investigation concluded that PFAS in the environment poses a low and acceptable exposure risk to marine life in the nearby Bundegi Reef. For more information, refer to the Western Australia Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Remediation and management
Defence’s management plan for responding to PFAS contamination on and around Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt Areas A & B was informed by the outcomes of the investigations. The management plan did not recommend treating or removing PFAS from the area. This approach reflects the low risk identified during the investigations.
Ongoing monitoring
Monitoring of PFAS continues on and around Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt Areas A & B through sampling of groundwater, seepage water, surface water, and sediment. Monitoring helps Defence understand if PFAS contamination is changing over time.
Results are published in an Ongoing Monitoring Report and factsheet. Defence will inform the community of the results and if changes to the management approach are required.
Recent reports and factsheets
Detailed reports from the PFAS investigation and management program are available for download. To discuss these reports contact pfas.enquiry@defence.gov.au.
- 2021 Ongoing Monitoring Interpretive Report Area A - Factsheet (PDF, 1.44 MB)
- 2021 Ongoing Monitoring Interpretive Report Area B - Factsheet (PDF, 1.49 MB)
- 2021 Ongoing Monitoring Interpretive Report Area A (PDF, 22.21 MB)
- 2021 Ongoing Monitoring Interpretive Report Area B (PDF, 22.83 MB)
- Ecological Risk Assessment and PMAP Findings - Factsheet (PDF, 1 MB)
Document archive
The document archive contains information that Defence has published about the management of PFAS, including older community presentations, investigation reports, risk assessments and factsheets.
Some archive information has been superseded by the recent reports and factsheets.
Documents Archive - Harold Holt (PDF, 212.79 KB)
Last review: 25 February 2025