Investigations identified PFAS in groundwater beneath the former fuel terminals on Phillip Drive and in surface waters of Saltwater Creek and Lagoon.
The detection of PFAS is not unexpected due to the historical use of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foams in the area. PFAS has also been used in many domestic and industrial products and background levels may be present from other sources.
Finding PFAS in the environment does not mean there is a human health risk. It is important to assess if there are ways that people might ingest PFAS, such as drinking contaminated groundwater or consuming food products watered with contaminated groundwater.
As part of the investigation, we collected 3 rounds of surface water and sediment samples from Saltwater Creek and Saltwater Lagoon. The testing indicated that PFAS levels were below guidelines, however as a precaution, the EPA and Department of Primary Industries (DPI) conducted sampling, focusing on giant mud crab, the most common crab species that are caught in Saltwater Creek and Lagoon.
The EPA and Kempsey Shire Council also conducted water use surveys with 16 landowners near Phillip Drive in South West Rocks to identify any ways residents might come into contact with PFAS. We have provided advice to those residents.
We will continue working with Kempsey Shire Council, relevant agencies, and the NSW Technical Advisory Group regarding PFAS in the area.
Do residents need to do anything?
Groundwater use
South West Rocks residents are connected to reticulated water (town water) which is safe to use.
Residents of properties located near the former fuel terminals have been supplied with tailored precautionary advice. This advice does not apply to the wider South West Rocks community.
Regardless of PFAS detections, it is recommended that people do not use groundwater to water home-grown fruit and vegetables. Town water is safe to use.
Additionally, NSW Health recommends that people do not use groundwater for drinking, cooking, filling up swimming pools and personal hygiene (including cleaning teeth and bathing) without testing and appropriate treatment.
Guidelines for the consumption of giant mud crab
Saltwater Creek and Lagoon intermittently opens and closes into Trial Bay. Therefore, it is considered that the quantity of available fish and the consumption of legally sized fish from Saltwater Creek and Lagoon is low.
However, the EPA is aware Saltwater Creek and Lagoon is a known spot for local residents to catch giant mud crabs.
PFAS has been detected in giant mud crabs caught in Saltwater Creek and Lagoon. Residents can continue crabbing in Saltwater Creek and Lagoon, but regular consumers should follow this precautionary dietary advice when eating their catch:
- children under 6 year of age – up to 3 servings (of 75 grams) per week
- all other age groups – up to 5 servings (of 150 grams) per week.
Recreational use of Saltwater Creek and Lagoon
South West Rocks residents can continue to use Saltwater Creek and Saltwater Lagoon for recreational purposes including swimming, boating and canoeing, however, as advised on existing signs, when the creek is not open to the sea, the water may not be suitable for swimming activities.
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 June 2019 states that PFAS has not been shown to cause disease in humans and “probably has minimal impact on human health”. 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 Kempsey Shire Council 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.