Tests find traces of chemicals

Traces of banned toxic chemical compounds, found in firefighting foam, have been detected in water samples drawn from close to an Auckland air base.

Results of testing completed in August at the Royal New Zealand Air Force air base at Whenuapai have revealed traces of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in bores and surface water samples. Testing was carried out at selected sites up to about 1 kilometre from the air base boundary. Samples were also taken from marine life in the harbour nearby. A Defence Force spokeswoman said three selected bores tested positive for PFAS but were below interim drinking water guidelines. The bores were shallow and unused, she said. No PFAS was found in three further deeper bores, she said.

Of 12 surface water samples, nine showed PFAS but only two exceeded recreational water guidelines.

A Government investigation, coordinated by the Ministry for the Environment, was launched in December 2017 when PFOS and PFOA were found at the Ohakea and Woodbourne air bases at higher levels than health guidelines allow.

Foam containing PFOS or PFOA was banned in 2006.

Drinking water at the base, the adjacent school, and surrounding areas came from the town supply and was not affected, according to a Ministry for the Environment update.

A fourth round of testing for properties near the Ohakea and Woodbourne air bases is due out in November.