Tarro Fire and Rescue NSW

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is investigating legacy per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination from the historical use of fire-fighting foams near its Tarro Fire Station.

Investigations identified PFAS near the FRNSW fire station on Eastern Avenue, Tarro. The PFAS contamination is due to the historical use of PFAS-containing foams during fire-fighting training activities conducted at a vacant lot near the fire station and prior to any development in the area. The site is now occupied by the Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) Primary School, Tarro.

In March 2020, FRNSW conducted a Human Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HHERA) following PFAS detections in surface soils. The HHERA concluded that children and adults from the school community were not at risk of exposure to PFAS. However, as a precaution FRNSW removed surface soils and installed new turf at the school.

As part of FRNSW ongoing monitoring program, PFAS contamination was detected in stormwater and groundwater beneath the former training area. FRNSW with the guidance of the EPA, is currently conducting additional investigations to determine whether further works are required.

We will continue working with FRNSW to ensure a robust and timely investigation and we will continue to update the school community of the results and any new developments.

Do residents need to do anything?

Finding PFAS in the environment does not mean there is a human health risk. The NSW Government adopts a precautionary approach to assess and limit exposure pathways to PFAS.

The primary ways in which people can be exposed to PFAS include drinking, bathing or swimming in bore or surface water containing PFAS or eating home grown food such as eggs, milk, fruit and vegetables produced using water containing PFAS.

The school and Tarro residents are connected to reticulated water (town water) which is safe to use.

Groundwater is not used at the school for any purpose and there are no surface water bodies present on site. While the school does grow produce on site including fruits and vegetables, FRNSW have indicated that the garden beds are raised with imported soils.

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.

The Australian Government’s PFAS Expert Health Panel recommends limiting exposure to PFAS as a precaution. The NSW Government adopts this precautionary approach and it typically involves assessing and minimising human exposure pathways (limiting groundwater consumption or use, or seafood consumption) where threshold levels of PFAS are present.

The EPA along with FRNSW 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.