Airservices Australia is investigating potential per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination stemming from the historical use of fire-fighting foams at Gold Coast Airport.
Investigations have found PFAS in groundwater to the eastern side of the airport and in surface water in Coolangatta Creek. The detection of PFAS is not unexpected given the past use of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foams at the site. PFAS has also been used in many domestic and industrial products and background levels may be present from these other sources.
The EPA will continue to work collaboratively with Airservices and the Queensland government to ensure timely and robust investigations are undertaken.
Residents can continue to fish and eat seafood in the Cobakai Broadwater.
For more information see:
- NSW EPA factsheet: PFAS Investigations – Gold Coast Airport (PDF 233KB)
- Airservices Australia PFAS Management Program website – Gold Coast Airport
- Gold Coast Airport Pty Ltd regulatory website