Defence sets hook for PFAS

FISH will be caught and tested for PFAS by the Department of Defence.

In October last year, Defence engaged RPS Group to conduct an investigation at Lavarack Barracks and surrounding area to identify the nature and extent of per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances in the environment.

Defence says fish will be caught from the Ross River and two ponds where fishing has been seen along waterways that drain into the river. The plan is to catch a variety of species like those caught by recreational anglers.

A Defence spokesman said sample collection on base began mid last month, with off- base sampling set to start.

“During off- base sampling, people may see a drilling rig for the collection of soil samples, and the installation of groundwater monitoring wells,” he said. “People may also see field staff collecting water and sediment sam- ples from the Ross River and other local waterways.”

Last month Queensland Health warned fish caught in Warrill Creek and the Bremer River near Amberley, west of Brisbane, should not be eaten.

The warning came after Federal Defence Department testing of fish in the southeast Queensland waterways found high levels of PFAS used in banned firefighting foams.

As part of the initial stage of the investigation, Defence caught 13 fish upstream of Aplin’s Weir, within the Lavarack Barracks inquiry area.

“Fillet samples were analysed for PFAS and the results were provided to Queensland Health, who conducted an assessment to determine the safe amounts of fish from this area that could be consumed,” the spokesman said.

The investigation is expected to be completed and released to the public early next year.