Latest updates
Important information for communities around RAAF Base Learmonth.
RAAF Base Learmonth 2021 Interpretive Report Factsheet (PDF, 1.39 MB)
Investigations and findings
In May 2019, Defence completed investigations into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination on and around RAAF Base Learmonth. The investigations found that exposure risks to people, plants and animals were low. Refer to the Western Australia Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for more information.
Remediation and management
Defence’s management plan for responding to PFAS contamination at RAAF Base Learmonth 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 through sampling of surface water, seepage water, groundwater and sediment. Seepage water is water that is present in the ground and is moving between surface water and groundwater.
Monitoring helps Defence understand if PFAS contamination is changing over time. Results are published in an Ongoing Monitoring Interpretive Report and factsheet. Defence will inform the community if changes to the management approach are required.
Recent factsheets and reports
Detailed reports from the PFAS investigation and management program are available for download. To discuss these reports contact pfas.enquiry@defence.gov.au.
RAAF Base Learmonth 2021 Interpretive Report (PDF, 31.33 MB)
Document archive
The document archive contains links to information that Defence has published since 2017.
This includes:
- older community presentations,
- investigation reports,
- risk assessments and
- factsheets.
Some archive information has been superseded by the recent reports and factsheets.
Documents Archive - Learmonth (PDF, 265.95 KB)
Last review: 28 June 2023