Mullumbimby Fire and Rescue NSW
The EPA is investigating after Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) detected PFAS in groundwater near the Mullumbimby Fire Station.
The detection of PFAS is likely due to the historical use and storage of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foams at the fire station. PFAS contamination may have also been a result of annual training drills, truck washing / clean outs and open day demonstrations.
Finding PFAS in the environment does not mean there is a human health risk.
Tap water is safe to drink and use.
It is important to assess if there are ways that people might ingest PFAS, such as drinking contaminated groundwater or consuming food products watered with contaminated groundwater.
As part of the investigation, EPA conducted water use surveys and sampling of residential groundwater bores in the area to understand more about groundwater and it’s use by residents. Results did not detect PFAS in the groundwater bores sampled. We have provided advice to those residents.
We will continue working with FRNSW to monitor the progress of the investigation at their fire station.
Do residents need to do anything?
Groundwater use
Mullumbimby residents are connected to town water which is safe to use.
In June 2024, the EPA conducted water use surveys with residents of properties located near the fire station to determine if residents use groundwater at their property and to obtain consent for the EPA to sample any groundwater bores that may be present on their property. The results did not detect PFAS in residential groundwater bores sampled. The EPA has provided general precautionary advice to residents regarding the general use of groundwater.
Regardless of any PFAS detections, it is recommended that people do not use groundwater to water home-grown fruit and vegetable. Town water is safe to use.
Additionally, NSW Health recommends that people do not use groundwater for drinking, cooking, filling up swimming pools and personal hygiene (including cleaning teeth and bathing) without testing and appropriate treatment.
Recreational use of Brunswick River, Saltwater Creek, and Mullumbimby Creek
Mullumbimby residents can safely continue to use Brunswick River, Saltwater Creek, and Mullumbimby Creek for recreational purposes including swimming, boating, and canoeing.
Does PFAS affect human health?
Research into the potential health effects of PFAS is ongoing around the world.
Expert advice released by the Australian Government in February 2024 states that PFAS has not been shown to cause disease in humans and is “unlikely to cause significant negative health outcomes”. However, the advice cautions that PFAS exposure may be associated with mildly elevated cholesterol levels, effects on some hormone levels and on kidney function. Find further information on potential health effects (health.gov.au).
Potential associations between PFAS exposure and increased risk of two uncommon cancers (testicular and kidney cancer) exist. Much of this evidence relates to PFOA, and not PFOS or PFHxS which are more common in Australia. Association does not constitute causation.
The Australian Government’s PFAS Expert Health Panel recommends limiting exposure to PFAS as a precaution until more evidence is gathered on possible health effects. The NSW Government adopts this precautionary approach, and it typically involves assessing and reducing human exposure pathways (limiting groundwater consumption or use, or seafood consumption) where threshold levels of PFAS are present.
The EPA along with Byron Shire Council will assist in keeping the community updated.
If you or your neighbours have any questions or concerns, call 24/7 NSW Environment Line on 131 555.