Adelaide Airport

Site investigation

  • Jacobs Australia Pty Ltd is the contaminated land specialist leading the Program investigation at Adelaide Airport.
  • The Program investigation at Adelaide Airport commenced on 1 July 2023 and is anticipated to take approximately three years to complete.
  • The investigation will address potential sources of PFAS at the airport, as well as potential migration pathways to receptors both on and off airport.
  • Environmental Resources Management Australia Pty Ltd is the accredited contaminated land auditor engaged by the department to independently audit the investigation to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, national guidance and best practice.
  • To support the review of key investigation reports and plans, an Investigation Consultation Forum (ICF) group has been formed. The ICF group includes the department, the accredited contaminated land auditor, Adelaide Airport and relevant state agencies.
  • Airport participation in the Program is voluntary. Adelaide Airport signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the department to join the Program on 23 February 2022.
  • Adelaide Airport participated in the Pilot program which concluded on 30 June 2023.
Terrain map of Adelaide Airport showing an outline of the airport boundary and the PFAS program.

Where is the investigation up to?

  • A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) was completed under the Pilot program.
  • The Adelaide Airport investigation includes a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) and Mass Flux Study. Sampling Analysis and Quality Plans (SAQPs) were finalised in September 2024.
  • The investigation's focus is sampling and analysis on airport land to determine the nature and extent of PFAS in soil and groundwater, as well as assessing potential migration pathways between the airport and surrounding land.
  • Fieldworks at the airport site commenced in November 2024 and are ongoing.

Next steps

  • Following fieldworks, a DSI Report and Mass Flux Study Report will summarise investigation outcomes and identify and recommend next steps.
  • A Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment may be conducted if investigations identify it is required.
  • The investigation will inform the development of a PFAS Management Plan for Adelaide Airport that will outline the recommended management options to address any identified elevated risk of exposure to PFAS to human health and/or the environment.

Additional information

Contact information

  • An information line and email have been established by Jacobs Australia to provide information about the investigation:

Last updated January 2026