PFAS On Norfolk Island

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured chemical compounds that are used in a wide range of products including common household items such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, cosmetic products, and stain-resistant textiles.

Due to the widespread use of this family of chemicals, most Australians are expected to have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. They are also used in some firefighting foams - specifically aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) - which has superior fire knockdown capability. Over the last decade, industry in Australia have been transitioning away from AFFF products to fluorine- free alternatives in most applications.

In July 2024, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) advised Norfolk Island Regional Council that water test results indicated the presence of PFAS at the Norfolk Island Fire Station. The likely cause of PFAS being present was investigated and identified as cross-contamination between water tanks at the fire station.

Although PFAS was detected in the water at the fire station, levels did not indicate an exceedance of the Department of Health drinking water guidance values (Australian Drinking Water Guidelines | NHMRC).

NIRC promptly investigated the root cause of the contamination of the water tanks to understand what further action may be required, utilising a consultant to investigate the water reticulation network and provide recommendations.

NIRC implemented a range of management measures aimed at facilitating access to unimpacted water at the fire station, in July 2024. These included:

• Taking samples where PFAS was detected by DITRDCA and throughout the reticulation network of the fire station to confirm the presence of PFAS.
• Disconnecting access to contaminated tanks.
• Providing alternative sources of drinking water including supply from the desalination plant.
• Re-plumbing sections inside the Fire Station to remove impacted infrastructure.
• Providing hand sanitiser dispensers.
• Affixing warning signs to infrastructure yet to be remediated.

The management measures implemented throughout and post the investigation include:

• Briefing and discussing developments with the firefighters who work at the fire station.
• Turning off the point of entry treatment (POET), plant pending further investigation and maintenance. This was due to PFAS detections identified through sampling post treatment.
• Seeking advice and guidance on the health effects of PFAS.
• Consideration of recommendations and options to re-instate rainwater capture and reticulation at the fire station.
• Continuing to provide potable drinking water to fire station staff and visitors via a stand alone water cooler and desalination.
• Further testing on a regular basis, forming an ongoing monitoring program.

The point of entry treatment (POET) plant was originally installed at the Norfolk Island Fire Station to treat PFAS impacted water related to fire truck foam transition and cleaning activities. The POET was later re-installed at the airport bore to treat the bore water that is used for non-potable activities.

Water samples taken at the fire station during the investigation phase, returned analytical results that did not indicate an exceedance of the Department of Health drinking water guidance values (Australian Drinking Water Guidelines | NHMRC).

I work or worked at the Fire Station

If you work or worked at the fire station from March 2021 to date, it is unlikely you have been exposed to PFAS levels that exceed the Department of Health drinking water guidance values (Australian Drinking Water Guidelines | NHMRC).

I visited the Fire Station

If you visited the fire station from March 2021 to date, it is unlikely you have been exposed to PFAS levels that exceed the Department of Health drinking water guidance values (Australian Drinking Water Guidelines | NHMRC).

PFAS can be found in a variety of everyday products, including non-stick cookware (like Teflon), stain-resistant fabrics, waterproof clothing, food packaging (such as fast-food wrappers), and certain types of firefighting foam.

Historically, PFAS were commonly used in firefighting foams, especially Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), which was widely used by fire services to combat flammable liquid fires. NIRC fire trucks have transitioned away from using PFAS-containing foams.

I feel I have been exposed to PFAS?

For more information, we recommend speaking to a medical professional.

I want to find out if I have detectable levels of PFAS in my body?

We recommend speaking to a medical professional.

Yes, a detailed report about the investigation at the fire station was presented at the NIRC Ordinary Meeting, on 29 January 2025. The report includes information about the investigation timeline, test results, management measures taken, and recommendations for further action.

NIRC is committed to ensuring transparency with the community. The report provides a record of the incident, as well as, future actions to manage and mitigate the site.

The report can be viewed on our website(PDF, 6MB).

Yes, DITRDCA’s ongoing environmental investigation across the Island was undertaken by Senversa and reports are available at the DITRDCA website.

For further information about safe levels of PFAS in food and water, please visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

NIRC is committed to regularly updating the community throughout PFAS investigations, management and remediation at the fire station. You can contact our friendly Customer Care team by phone, in person, by email or by post.

Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm (closed on Public Holidays). Our contact information is listed below, or you can select to complete our online contact form. Please provide as much information as possible on this form so that we are better able to assist with your request.

Telephone: + 6723 22244

Email: customercare@nirc.gov.nf