Avalon fireys’ fears

Airport water contaminated

AVALON Airport’s on-site fire station has been shut after the discovery of contaminated water, leaving workers – some of whom had reportedly been drinking the liquid – shocked.

No flights in and out of Avalon have or will be affected, according to an airport spokeswoman, as officials investigate and manage the “evolving” situation.

“This is a new and emerging situation and we are responding as quickly as possible,” she said.

“It is important to note that the airport terminal and all other public buildings have not been affected and cause no risk or alarm to airport visitors or airport staff at the terminals.”

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) is providing firefighting services after the Aviation Rescue Firefighting Service (ARFFS) station’s closure.

The closure relates to elevated levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – which are manufactured chemicals used to make products resistant to heat, stains, grease and water – well above thresholds considered safe for human consumption.

PFAS was once commonly used in firefighting foam until the harmful environmental impact and potential health consequences were recognised in the early 2000s.

It sparked the implementation of a National PFAS Management Program, including a full-scale audit of airports around the country known to or suspected to have had PFAScontaining foams in use.

United Firefighters Union of Australia aviation branch secretary Wes Garrett said fire station workers were horrified to learn of the contamination, before being told the site would be closed while further testing and remediation work was conducted.

Mr Garrett said Airservices Australia was “dragging their heels” in revealing the extent of the issue.

“We’re concerned for the physical and mental wellbeing of our members and let me tell you there’s some real anxiety at the station because they’re flying blind” he said.

“They know they’ve been drinking this water, and the amount of information, from their perspective, coming from Airservices is slow.”

Water at the site is also used for washing dishes, showering and washing vehicles.

Mr Garrett claimed workers were told PFAS was found in tap water at a level of 3080 parts per trillion, and 5800 parts per trillion at the control tower — 44 times and 82 times the level considered safe for human consumption (70 parts per trillion).

An Airservices Australia spokeswoman confirmed “high levels of PFAS have been detected” and that its staff were receiving regular communications about the issue and support.

“Airservices’ 30 aviation rescue fire fighters and two air traffic controllers stationed at Avalon have been offered expert health advice and free blood testing,” she said.

“Airservices is connecting the ARFFS facility to a new water supply and deep cleaning the station.”