Kapooka, Blamey Barracks
The Department of Defence has undertaken detailed investigations into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination stemming from the historical use of fire-fighting foams at their Barracks in Kapooka.
Defence have completed a preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) and a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) at the site. These investigations have determined that PFAS is present in both on and off-site locations, and the pathways through which PFAS is migrating. The detection of PFAS is not unexpected due to the historical use of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foams at the site.
Finding PFAS in the environment does not mean there is a human health risk. It is important to assess if there are exposure pathways through which people might ingest PFAS.
Defence are now undertaking a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment (HHERA) to further assess the potential impact to the community and the environment.
The EPA will continue to work collaboratively with the Department of Defence to ensure an appropriate risk-based approach is adopted through the investigations and will provide further information on the Blamey Barracks Kapooka investigations as it becomes available.
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