Investigations and findings
In June 2018, Defence completed investigations into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination on and around HMAS Albatross. Defence recognises that PFAS contamination at HMAS Albatross is a significant issue for the local community. Defence is committed to working with the NSW Government to manage, remediate and monitor PFAS contamination in the area.
The investigations found that PFAS are mostly concentrated in areas where firefighting foams were previously disposed of, used or stored. These are called source areas. PFAS at these locations can be found in soil and in water flowing through the source areas. PFAS moves in surface water flowing through drains and creeks, or groundwater that flows underground through soil and rock.
Three source areas were identified where PFAS concentrations required further study or action:
- the former firefighting training area
- the hangars and flight lines
- sewage treatment plant.
Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment
As part of the investigations, Defence conducted a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment. This assessment measured the PFAS exposure risks to people living, working and undertaking recreational activities within the management area and to local plant and animal life.
This assessment found PFAS contamination from HMAS Albatross presented an elevated exposure risk to human health and to local plant and animal life in some locations. More details can be found in the Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment factsheet provided in the Recent reports and factsheet section.
To support communities reduce their exposure to PFAS from Defence and other sources, the NSW Environment Protection Authority has issued precautionary dietary advice for Shoalhaven River and Currambene Creek.
Additional investigations
Defence conducted a PFAS movement assessment that tracks how and where PFAS are moving from source areas and how much PFAS are leaving the base. This study helped determine the best remediation actions to reduce the amount of PFAS leaving HMAS Albatross.
The assessment found that PFAS mainly moves off the base in surface water when it rains, and most PFAS moves off the base via the Braidwood Drain.
Remediation and management
The aim of remediation is to minimise PFAS leaving the base by focusing on the remediation and management of the source areas. Over time this will contribute to the reduction of PFAS in the management area. Defence has a PFAS Management Area Plan for HMAS Albatross setting out the proposed remedial works and other management actions to manage potential risks presented by PFAS.
A remediation action plan has been prepared for the former firefighting training area. The remediation approach will include installing an engineered capping layer over the contaminated soil to create a barrier between PFAS contaminated soils and water that may drain off the site. This barrier will reduce the amount of PFAS moving into the surface water through rainwater runoff.
Improvements to the surrounding drainage system are required to allow installation of the engineered capping layer. Construction of the drainage improvements is expected to commence at the same time as HMAS Albatross runway refurbishment works.
Additional investigations are being undertaken to determine appropriate remediation at the remaining source areas. Where required, remediation action plans will be prepared.
Ongoing monitoring
Monitoring of PFAS continues on and around HMAS Albatross through sampling of surface water and groundwater biannually. Monitoring helps Defence understand if PFAS contamination are changing over time.
Monitoring results to date have found no significant changes to how PFAS are moving in the management area. However, the remedial works are expected to reduce PFAS from leaving the base, and over time this will contribute to the reduction of PFAS in the management area.
Results are published in an Ongoing Monitoring Report and factsheet. Defence will inform the community if changes to the management approach are required.
Recent reports and factsheets
Detailed reports from the PFAS Investigation and Management Program are available to download. Appendices to these reports can be found in the document archive. To discuss these reports, contact pfas.enquiry@defence.gov.au.
- 2023 Ongoing Monitoring Report (PDF, 15.9 MB)
- 2023 Ongoing Monitoring Report Factsheet (PDF, 879.15 KB)
- November 2023 Community Consultative Session Factsheet (PDF, 1.51 MB)
- November 2023 Community Consultative Session Posters (PDF, 6.6 MB)
- November 2023 Community Consultative Session Presentation (PDF, 4.17 MB)
- Human Health & Ecological Risk Assessment Factsheet (PDF, 1 MB)
- PFAS Management Area Plan Report (PDF, 5 MB)
- PFAS Management Area Plan Factsheet (PDF, 676 KB)
Document archive
The HMAS Albatross document archive contains information that Defence has published about the management of PFAS, including older community presentations, investigation reports, risk assessments and factsheets.
Some archived information has been superseded by recent reports and factsheets.
Documents Archive - Albatross (PDF, 543.69 KB)
Last review: 3 February 2025