Canberra Airport

Site Investigation

  • Jacobs Australia Pty Ltd is the contaminated land specialist leading the Program investigation at Canberra Airport.
  • The Program investigation at Canberra 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.
  • 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.
  • The department is engaging with relevant ACT Government agencies to support the review of key investigation reports and plans.
  • Airport participation in the Program is voluntary. Canberra Airport signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the department to join the Program on 18 February 2022.
  • Canberra Airport participated in the Pilot program which concluded on 30 June 2023.
PFAS Airports Investigation Program (Tranche 1) Canberra Airport

Where is the Investigation up to?

  • A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) was completed under the Pilot program.
  • The Canberra Airport investigation includes a Mass Flux Study and a Detailed Site investigation (DSI). A Sampling Analysis and Quality Plan (SAQP) is currently being finalised.
  • The investigation's focus will be sampling and analysis on airport land to determine the nature and extent of PFAS in soil and groundwater across the airport site.

Next steps

  • Fieldworks at the airport site will commence once the SAQP is finalised.
  • Following fieldworks, a Mass Flux Study Report and Detailed Site Investigation 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 Canberra 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