Byron Shire Council is investigating per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination associated with the Butler Street Reserve, Byron Bay. The Butler Street Reserve was formerly used as an unlicensed landfill up until the mid-1970s.
Investigations have found PFAS in groundwater at Butler Street Reserve and within the adjacent Byron Drain (also referred to as Union Drain). It is likely that PFAS contamination has resulted from general household materials and goods disposed of in the former landfill.
The EPA is working with Byron Shire Council. The investigation will include undertaking a water use survey and sampling registered bores in the general vicinity of the Butler Street Reserve, to increase understanding of local groundwater use and to determine if PFAS is present.
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, such as drinking contaminated groundwater or consuming food products watered with contaminated groundwater.
The EPA will assist Byron Shire Council in keeping the community informed of any developments in Council’s investigation.
For more information see
- NSW EPA factsheet: Butler Street reserve, Byron Bay PFAS Investigations (PDF 47KB)