Brisbane Airport

Site Investigation

  • Jacobs Australia Pty Ltd is the contaminated land specialist leading the Program investigation at Brisbane Airport.
  • The Program investigation at Brisbane Airport commenced on 1 July 2023 and is anticipated to take approximately 3 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.
  • Geosyntec 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.
  • The department is engaging with relevant state agencies to support the review of key investigation reports and plans.
  • Airport participation in the Program is voluntary. Brisbane Airport signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the department to join the Program on 18 February 2022.
  • Brisbane Airport participated in the Pilot program which concluded on 30 June 2023.
  • The former Eagle Farm Airport is being considered as part of the Brisbane Airport investigations.
PFAS Airports Investigation Program (Tranche 1) Brisbane Airport

Where is the Investigation up to?

  • A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) was completed under the Pilot program.
  • The Brisbane Airport investigation includes a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) and Mass Flux Study. Sampling Analysis and Quality Plans (SAQP) have been finalised (October 2024) and sampling fieldworks have commenced.
  • The investigation's focus will be sampling 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.

Next steps

  • Fieldworks at the airport site commenced in October 2024 and are expected to take 12 months to complete.
  • Following fieldworks, a Detailed Site Investigation 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.
  • Investigations will inform the development of a PFAS Management Plan for Brisbane Airport that will document the approach to managing risks associated with PFAS contamination at the airport.

Additional information

Contact information

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

Last updated 11 November 2024