Alexandria Site - Environmental investigation
Background
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has commenced investigation works at its Alexandria training site (located at 189 Wyndham Street) to better understand the presence of per- and fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and around this site.
The 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) for firefighter training 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 September 2016, a Preliminary Site Investigation and Sampling Analysis and Quality Plan (PDF) report was completed for the site, including a review of historical AFFF use and identification of potential sources of PFAS.
- An Environmental Site Assessment (PDF) began in April 2017 (updated in 2019), including off-site sampling and laboratory analysis of surface water and sediments to further understand the pathways for potential migration of PFAS from the site.
- In April 2019, Underground Storage Tank (UST) Sampling (PDF) was completed to assess the concentrations of PFAS and other contaminants in the water and sediments. This UST was historically used for the capture and storage of water used for fire-fighting training.
- An action plan was developed in 2019 for the site and approved by the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA).
In late 2019, the NSW Training Centre of the Fire Protection Training Academy (Fire Academy) was relocated from Alexandria to the FRNSW Emergency Services Academy in Orchard Hills. The majority of the training historically conducted at Alexandria now takes place at Orchard Hills.
To find out more information about this site please email FRNSW at: pfasinvestigation@fire.nsw.gov.au
Next Steps
Refurbishment works are currently underway at the site and are expected to be complete by 2023.
A sampling analysis and quality plan (SAQP) to address the data gaps identified in the action plan is being developed by FRNSW’s environmental consultants and will be reviewed and approved by the NSW EPA accredited site auditor commissioned by FRNSW.
It is anticipated that the SAQP will be implemented once the refurbishment works have been completed at the site.