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RAAF Base Tindal PFAS Investigation and Management Program
Issue 02 I October 2017
Katherine Community Update
BackgroundIn March 2017, the Department of Defence (Defence) engaged an independent environmental consultant, Coffey, to undertake a detailed environmental investigation into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on, and in the vicinity of, RAAF Base Tindal (the Base).The Base has a history of using legacy Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) commonly known as firefighting foam, for emergency fire fighting situations and fire fighting training. In 2004 Defence commenced phasing out its use of legacy firefighting foam containing perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) as active ingredients. The legacy firefighting foam now used by Defence is a more environmentally safe product.
Investigation updateThe objective for the environmental investigation is to identify the nature and extent of PFAS in the environment from legacy firefighting foam use at the Base and any potential risks to people or the environment. The understanding of these potential risks will assist in developing mitigation strategies to minimise exposure.The environmental investigation is being undertaken in accordance with the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999 (NEPM). The NEPM process includes: • Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI),• Detailed Site Investigation (DSI),• Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA), and• Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA).
Defence has completed the drilling of monitoring bores on and off Base, is well established in collecting samples for the DSI and has commenced the HHRA and ERA.The investigation is focused on understanding the extent of PFAS contamination in surface water (creeks and rivers), groundwater (bores) and soils, and how that relates to human and environmental (both plant and animal) exposure. To date, approximately 990 samples have been taken from across 530 locations, 100 of these have been at residential properties. A further 1210 samples are expected to be collected by the end of the investigation in early 2018.
Investigation AreaThe investigation area where Coffey will be focusing the collection of the majority of samples has been set and includes: RAAF Base Tindal, Uralla, Katherine south of the river, and the Katherine River.
Lansdowne Road
Collins Road
Stuart Highway
Uralla Road
Stuart Highway
RAAF Base Tindal PFAS Investigation and Management Program
Issue 02 I October 2017
What is happening now?The testing of bores and surface water will continue over the coming months to develop our understanding of how PFAS moves through the environment during the wet and dry seasons. This will also help Defence to select the most effective remediation activities.Water use surveys are still being sought to understand how groundwater and river water is used throughout the rural and urban areas of greater Katherine.
conduct targeted sampling to refineassessment of risk
start of consultation, testing plans
sampling plan, early water and biota sampling
APR2017
further ground and surface water,
soil and biota sampling
AUG2017
OCT2017
Deliver interim HHRA,supplementary
wet season sampling
DEC-MAR2017 2018
MAR2017
groundwater and surface water and
soil sampling
MAY-JUL2017
interpret results and conduct
preliminary risk assessment
SEP2017
conduct site specific assessment of
human health and ecological risk
NOV2017
review all results and prepare conclusions
APR2018
DRAFT
DRAFT
DRAFT
Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) and Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) As part of the detailed environmental investigation Defence will be conducting a HHRA and ERA. A HHRA assesses the possible risks within the investigation area associated with human exposure to PFAS. The ERA appraises the potential adverse effects on plants and animals as a result of exposure to PFAS. The risk assessments inform future actions such as advice provided by government agencies and authorities, for example about the consumption of home grown produce. The risk assessments are completed in conjunction with government agencies, auditors and the community. As part of the risk assessments, certain plants and animals will be tested to better understand the human and environmental food chains. Some samples have already been collected, and this will continue through October 2017. Targeted produce surveys will also be used to understand the type and amount of locally sourced foods that are consumed by people.
The HHRA and ERA are expected to be complete by April 2018. Both draft reports need to be reviewed by the technical authorities (auditors and Government agencies) before being approved for public release.
Interim HHRADefence recognises the desire of the Katherine community to understand the potential impact of PFAS as soon as possible, Defence will conduct an interim HHRA that will be available before the comprehensive HHRA to provide early information on potential ways PFAS may impact human health. The purpose of the interim HHRA is evaluate the potential human health risks to residents with the greatest exposure potential. The interim HHRA is intended to provide an estimate of the likely outcomes of the comprehensive HHRA, which will take longer to complete. The interim HHRA is expected to be released in January 2018.
Katherine town water Katherine town water remains safe to drink through the management of the town water supply by NT Power and Water Corporation. The recent water restrictions have significantly contributed to reducing the need to rely on bore water allowing Power and Water Corporation to manage the current concerns with PFAS levels. This will be further enhanced by the provision of the interim PFAS Water Treatment Plant, which is being provided by Defence and will be operational before the end of 2017. Further information can be found in the RAAF Base Tindal – Town Water and Katherine Water Treatment Plant Update Factsheet.
RAAF Base Tindal PFAS Investigation and Management Program
Issue 02 I October 2017
Rainwater tanks During the April Community Walk-in Session held at the Katherine Country Club, it was announced that Defence will provide eligible residents with rainwater tanks. The eligibility criteria are:• Testing has confirmed presence of PFAS above Health
Based Guidance Values in bores or existing water tank,• Property is located within the investigation area,• Property does not have a town water connection,• Residents rely on bore water for drinking water, and/or• Residents source drinking water from a rainwater tank
that contains, or has previously contained, bore water.
Contracts with local suppliers have been established to provide eligible residents with rainwater tanks, and quotations have commenced. Installation of rainwater tanks are expected to be complete by December 2017.To discuss your eligibility for a Defence funded rainwater tank, contact the community hotline on 1800 316 813.
RAAF Base Tindal PFAS community hotline Visit: www.defence.gov.au/environment/pfas/TindalCall: 1800 316 813Email: [email protected]
Department of HealthDefence recognises it is not an authority on public health. For more information on health based guidance values for PFAS:Visit: www.health.gov.au/PFASCall: 1800 941 180Email: [email protected]
Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA)For more information on PFAS and the environment contact the NTEPA:Visit: www.ntepa.nt.gov.auCall: 1800 064 567 (Pollution hotline)
Power and Water CorporationFor more information about the Katherine reticulated town water supply: Visit: www.powerwater.com.au/networks_and_
infrastructure/water_services/pfasCall: 1800 245 092
RAAF Base Tindal PFAS Investigation and Management Program
Did you know?
Power and Water’s Living Water Smart team found that Katherine is one of the highest consumers of water in the country. They are helping local businesses and residents to find opportunities to reduce water and find leaks. Living Water Smart’s Community Leak Check Program was rolled out to help reduce water waste with a significant number of leaks identified. The next stage is to get the leaks fixed, which is supported by the $200 Leak Find and Fix rebate.
PFAS is persistent and highly resistant to heat. Boiling water does not remove PFAS.
RAAF Base Tindal staff and residents consume town water and are subject to the same restrictions as Katherine town residents.
In addition to the compulsory water restrictions, RAAF Base Tindal has reduced consumption by almost 1 million litres (Ml) per day through actions such as; restricting the use of town water in construction projects, ceasing irrigation from town water as well as complying with mandated residential restrictions.
Issue 02 I October 2017
