Swanson Industries

Swanson Industries is investigating potential legacy per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at their site in Georgetown, which is known commonly as the old Goninan Platers site.

Investigations have detected PFAS both on and offsite. The detection of PFAS is not unexpected due to the historical use of PFAS as a mist suppressant at the site. PFAS has also been used in many domestic and industrial products and background levels may be present from these other sources.

To assist with the investigation, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Swanson Industries conducted a suburb wide water use survey. These surveys will help identify the ways residents might come into contact with PFAS, and whether they need to follow any precautionary advice to minimise their exposure to PFAS.

Residents of Hamilton North that have access to groundwater have been notified of additional precautions to limit their exposure to PFAS. Hamilton North residents are connected to reticulated water (town water) which is safe to use. See links below for more information on what precautions can be taken.

Swanson Industries is voluntarily conducting additional testing onsite and offsite to continue monitoring the PFAS plume. The EPA will oversee Swanson Industries to ensure timely and robust investigations are undertaken. The EPA and Swanson Industries will keep the community informed of any developments. 

For more information see

• NSW EPA factsheet: Swanson Industries PFAS investigations (PDF 36KB)
• NSW EPA factsheet: Hamilton North groundwater use update for local residents (PDF 77KB)
• NSW EPA factsheet: Hamilton North groundwater use update for Baird Street residents (PDF 77KB)