Greenacre Site - Environmental investigation
Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) has commenced investigation works at its Greenacre training site (located at 1 Amarina Avenue), to better understand the presence of per- and fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.
The main objective of this investigation is to identify the presence, nature and extent of PFAS in the environment from the use of historical aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the site. Investigation findings will be used to identify site-specific management actions to address potential PFAS impacts.
The following stages of the investigation have now been completed. Documents are available under the reports section below.
- In August 2016, a Preliminary Site Investigation (PDF) was completed including a review of historical AFFF use and identification of potential sources of PFAS.
- An Environmental Site Assessment (PDF) was completed in April 2017. This included onsite and offsite sampling and laboratory analysis of groundwater, surface water, soils and sediments to further understand the pathways for potential PFAS migration.
- In October 2017, a more detailed Phase 2 Environmental site Assessment (PDF) was completed, including additional onsite and offsite sampling to allow further understanding of the pathways for potential PFAS.
- A PFAS Management Options Assessment (PDF) was prepared in December 2017 to provide a better understanding of potential management options to address onsite and offsite impacts in soil, groundwater and surface water at the site.
- An action plan was developed in Q1 2019 for the site and approved by the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA).
- In August 2022, a groundwater monitoring event (GME) was completed along with mapping of the surface water drainage network via a CCTV investigation to further understand the extent of PFAS contamination and inform future works.
Next steps
A sampling analysis and quality plan (SAQP) to address the data gaps identified in the action plan is currently being developed. This plan will be reviewed and approved by the NSW EPA accredited site auditor commissioned by FRNSW. It is anticipated that the SAQP will be implemented in 2023.