Investigations and findings
In June 2020, Defence completed investigations into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination on and around Holsworthy Barracks. 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.
Five source areas were found where PFAS concentrations required further study or action:
- Former 85 transport area
- Former Luscombe sewage disposal area
- Luscombe airfield runway
- Former sewage treatment plant area
- Liverpool Fire Station and surrounding area.
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.
The assessment found that risks to people, plants and animals resulting from PFAS exposure were low. More detail on Defence’s risk assessments can be found in the Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment Addendum factsheet within the Recent reports and factsheets section.
To support communities reduce their exposure to PFAS from Defence and a number of other sources, the NSW Department of Primary Industries has issued precautionary dietary advice.
Additional investigations
Further sampling around the Liverpool Fire Station was undertaken in 2021 to understand potential health and ecological exposure risks in the residential area around the station. The findings were consistent with the results from the Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment and did not change the low exposure risk previously identified.
Defence is undertaking a PFAS movement assessment at Luscombe Airfield. This assessment tracks how and where PFAS are moving from the area and how much PFAS are leaving the base. Results from the study will help determine the best remediation actions to reduce the amount of PFAS leaving Holsworthy Barracks.
Remediation and management
The aim of remediation is to minimise PFAS leaving the base, which over time will contribute to the reduction of PFAS in the management area.
Defence is currently undertaking a PFAS movement assessment to measure how much and how fast PFAS are moving in groundwater and surface water. The helps Defence understand the main ways PFAS may be leaving the site. Once completed, the assessment will inform the remediation works, or if any remediation is required at Holsworthy Barracks.
Ongoing monitoring
Monitoring of PFAS continues on and around Holsworthy Barracks through sampling of surface water and groundwater. Monitoring helps Defence understand if PFAS contamination is changing over time.
The results are published in an Ongoing Monitoring Report and factsheet. Defence will inform the community if changes to the management approach are required.
Monitoring results to date have found no significant changes to how PFAS are moving in the management area. Defence continues to monitor PFAS on and around Holsworthy Barracks, and will keep the community informed of any updates.
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, 24.51 MB)
- 2023 Ongoing Monitoring Report Factsheet (PDF, 743.63 KB)
- Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment Addendum Factsheet (PDF, 801 KB)
- PFAS Management Area Plan Report (PDF, 8 MB)
- PFAS Management Area Plan Factsheet (PDF, 2 MB)
Document archive
The Holsworthy Barracks 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 - Holsworthy (PDF, 481.23 KB)
Last review: 3 February 2025