Site Investigation
- Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (with Senversa) is the contaminated land specialist leading the Program Investigation Darwin Airport.
- Australian Environmental Auditors are currently engaged to audit the investigation in accordance with the South Australian EPA audit system.
- The Program investigation at Darwin Airport commenced on 13 June 2025.
- The investigation will examine potential sources of PFAS contamination at the civilian airport, as well as potential migration pathways to receptors both on- and off- the airport site.
- The Department is consulting with Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence to understand works already underway and to avoid duplication, where possible.
- To support the review of key investigation reports and plans, an Investigation Consultation Forum (ICF) has been formed. The ICF members include the department (including the airport environment officer), the contaminated land specialist, the accredited contamination land auditor, the Airport and relevant state agencies.
- Participation in the Program is voluntary. Darwin Airport formalised its involvement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department on 6 June 2025
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Where is the Investigation up to?
- A data gap assessment reviewing existing information commenced in October 2025.
Next Steps
- The data gap assessment, and further investigations if required, will inform the development of a PFAS Management Plan for Darwin Airport that will document the approach to managing risks associated with PFAS contamination at the airport.
Additional Information
- Answers to other questions on PFAS and the PFAS Airports Investigation Program, can be found on our website at PFAS – your questions answered.
Contact Information
- Enquiries can be sent to DarwinPFAS@infrastructure.gov.au
Last updated 30 March 2026