Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances on Norfolk Island

Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) investigations were initiated on Norfolk Island after a CSIRO-led assessment of water resources identified PFAS in the Mission Creek water catchment in 2019. Senversa was engaged by the department to undertake a Detailed Environmental Investigation of PFAS at the Norfolk Island Airport and surrounding catchments.

The PFAS Detailed Environmental Investigation process consisted of a Preliminary Site Investigation, a Detailed Site Investigation and a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment. The reports are accessible through the links below. The Investigation identified the nature and extent of PFAS in the local environment related to the historical use of firefighting foams at Norfolk Island International Airport and potential exposure risks to people and the environment.

With the Detailed Environmental Investigation now complete, the focus is management and remediation to mitigate the potential risks to avoid or minimise human and ecological exposure to PFAS. An Ongoing PFAS Monitoring Plan is being implemented to inform response management including annual monitoring events which began in 2022.

Keeping the community informed

The department is committed to regularly updating the community throughout PFAS management and remediation. An interactive microsite was utilised to deliver the final investigation reports over the period 14th February – 4th March 2022. A static version (i.e. no longer interactive) of the microsite text is accessible through the links below.

The department website will be updated as management and remediation progresses. Community information sessionsand engagement and engagement will occur as needed. Enquiries or requests relating to individual properties will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

For additional information