Two Central Coast Rural Fire Service training grounds may require decontamination following the discovery of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
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Minutes of the November Central Coast senior management team meeting confirmed that PFAS was found at the Cameron Park and Charmhaven facilities.
"PFAS levels have been confirmed as low on both sites but at a level requiring investigation and potential remediation due to zoning," the minutes say.
"Lateral extent of contamination has now been confirmed at Charmhaven. Still under investigation at Cameron Park."
If required, remediation would involve excavation, removal and disposal of contaminated soil and import of clean fill.
Other RFS sites where PFAS contamination is being investigated include Kemps Creek Training Facility, Shoalhaven Fire Control Centre, Singleton area, Hoxton Park Rural Fire Brigade Station, Kemps Creek Rural Fire Brigade Station and Austral Rural Fire Brigade Station.
The EPA monitors the progress of NSW RFS PFAS investigations and coordinates any necessary precautionary dietary advice for people to avoid PFAS exposure.
An RFS spokesman confirmed the discovery of PFAS.
"Further testing is underway by the EPA to determine the levels and required actions," he said.
"Any remedial action required at these sites will be determined after consultation with the EPA.
"If it is determined that remedial action is required an environmental consultant will be engaged to develop a site improvement plan which will detail the required scope of works."
Historic PFAS contamination has also been a scourge for NSW Fire and Rescue. PFAS was found in the soil and groundwater at the former Hamilton Fire Station in 2019.
Tests on the 900-square metre block in Belford Street showed contamination levels up to 100 times greater than health guidelines for recreational water.
The long-term human health impacts of PFAS contamination remain unclear.
Australian National University researchers have been investigating the potential impacts of PFAS on people living around Australian Defence Force facilities where PFAS has been used.
Many people living in the Williamtown Red Zone believe their health has been directly impacted by PFAS contamination originating from the RAAF base.
Researchers will brief the community this week about the results of a study into the health effects of PFAS.
Defence will also hold a community drop-in session at Singleton on December 7 and Williamtown on December 8.
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