Per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) investigations are ongoing at various premises around Botany Bay. This includes companies at Botany Industrial Park, Sydney Airport, and Caltex at Kurnell.
The number of potential sources of PFAS in the area makes it difficult to attribute detections in Botany Bay to individual sources. However, preliminary sampling undertaken by Airservices Australia indicates that historical use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam has led to detections in surface and groundwater within the airport precinct, and in some limited sampling of fish and sediments.
PFAS has been detected in some species of fish caught in Botany Bay and the Georges River however, the number of potential sources of PFAS in the area makes it difficult to attribute the detections to individual sources.
Residents can continue to fish in Botany Bay and the Georges River but should follow precautionary dietary advice when eating their catch. A detailed factsheet outlining the precautionary dietary advice can be found below.
For more information see:
- Media release 15/12/17: Dietary advice for fish caught in Botany Bay and Georges River
- Factsheet: Precautionary Dietary Advice - Botany Bay and Georges River
- Media release 22/5/17: PFAS investigations underway at Botany Bay
- Botany Industrial Park PFAS investigations
- Airservices Australia PFAS management