NSW Environmental Protection Agency NSW Government

Ulumbra Creek and the Capertee River

An investigation is underway after PFAS were detected in Ulumbra Creek and the Capertee River, including at Genowlan Road bridge, Glen Alice. 

Following the detection of PFAS chemicals in soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water at the inactive Brogans Creek Quarry, the EPA issued a Clean Up Notice to the polluter, 3M Australia Pty Ltd (3M Australia) in May 2025. The Notice requires 3M Australia to undertake investigations to better understand the extent and nature of legacy PFAS contamination associated with the site, and to carry out remediation actions, including the treatment of contaminated surface water at the site.

Brogans Creek Quarry was used by 3M Australia to test large volumes of PFAS-containing firefighting foams during the 1980s and 1990s. It is the suspected source of PFAS in Ulumbra Creek and Capertee River.

Capertee River within the Capertee National Park 

PFAS have been detected in the upper reaches of the Capertee River within the Capertee National Park, most recently in early December 2025. PFAS levels were below the Australian national recreational water guidelines, meaning it remains safe for water-based activities such as swimming, canoeing and boating to continue. PFAS were detected above the relevant national drinking water guidelines.

Precautionary advice has been provided to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). NPWS has installed signage in the National Park advising visitors not to use river water for drinking or cooking purposes.

Investigations downstream of Genowlan Road bridge

Following further sampling directed by the NSW EPA, in late March 2026 PFAS were detected in the Capertee River downstream of Genowlan Road bridge at levels below the national recreational water guidelines. PFAS levels are above the national drinking water guidelines. There is currently no information to indicate that PFAS contamination from Brogans Creek Quarry is affecting groundwater in the area.

Ulumbra Creek and Capertee River do not contribute to the Glen Alice or Glen Davis drinking water supply, however as a precaution, visitors to Capertee National Park have been advised not to use river water for drinking or cooking purposes.

Do residents need to do anything?

The presence of PFAS in the environment does not necessarily mean there is a health risk, however, as a precaution, further investigation will be undertaken. 

The EPA has directed 3M Australia to conduct further sampling of the Capertee River between Genowlan Road bridge, Glen Alice and Coorongooba campground.

It is important to assess if there are ways that people might ingest PFAS, such as drinking contaminated water or consuming food products watered with contaminated water.

To determine this, the EPA has directed 3M Australia to undertake water and land use surveys with residents whose properties are adjacent to Ulumbra Creek or the Capertee River between the Capertee National Park and the Coorongooba campground. This will help us to understand how residents use water at their properties and conduct sampling if needed.

The EPA will review water sampling results and coordinate with other NSW Government Agencies if precautionary advice to residents is required.

NSW Health advice

Long standing NSW Health advice is that water from rivers, creeks or groundwater bores should not be used for drinking or cooking without appropriate treatment. Untreated water may contain disease causing micro-organisms, chemical contaminants or algal blooms. For more information visit NSW Health: Drinking water.

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