Investigations and findings

In May 2019, Defence completed detailed 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. More details on Defence’s risk assessment can be found in the Ecological Risk Assessment and Management Area Plan factsheet located in the ‘Recent reports and factsheets’ section below.

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 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 if changes to the management approach are required.

Recent factsheets and reports

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, but may change over time. To discuss these reports contact pfas.enquiry@defence.gov.au.

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Some archive information has been superseded by the recent reports and factsheets.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 - Learmonth (PDF, 209.34 KB)

Last review: 16 December 2025