Investigations and findings
In October 2018, Defence completed detailed investigations into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination on and around HMAS Stirling. The investigations found that exposure risks to people, plants and animals were low.
The investigations found there is no significant impact to the ecology of Garden Island and surrounding environment. Refer to the Western Australia Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for more information.
Remediation and management
Defence’s management plan for responding to PFAS contamination at HMAS Stirling was informed by the outcomes of the investigations. The management plan did not recommend treating or removing PFAS from the area. This approach reflects the low risk identified during the investigations.
Ongoing monitoring
Monitoring of PFAS continues on and around HMAS Stirling through sampling of groundwater, pore water, surface water and sediment.
Monitoring helps Defence understand if PFAS contamination is changing over time.
Results are published in an Ongoing Monitoring Report and factsheet. Defence will inform the community if changes to the management approach are required.
Recent factsheets and reports
Detailed reports from the PFAS investigation and management program are available for download. To discuss these reports contact pfas.enquiry@defence.gov.au.
- 2020 Ongoing Monitoring Interpretive Report (PDF, 26 MB)
- 2020 Ongoing Monitoring Interpretive Report - Factsheet (PDF, 793 KB)
- PFAS Management Area Plan (PDF, 12.8 MB)
- Ecological Risk Assessment - Factsheet (PDF, 437 MB)
Document archive
The document archive contains information that Defence has published about the management of PFAS, including older community presentations, investigation reports, risk assessments and factsheets.
Some archive information has been superseded by the recent reports and factsheets.
Documents Archive - Stirling (PDF, 210.38 KB)
Last review: 25 February 2025