RAAF Base Richmond

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Important information for communities around RAAF Base Richmond.

Investigations and findings

In November 2018, Defence completed detailed investigations into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination on and around RAAF Base Richmond.

Defence recognises that the PFAS contamination at RAAF Base Richmond is a significant issue for the local community. Defence continues to work 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 in groundwater that flows underground through soil and rock.

Four source areas were identified where PFAS was found in soil or groundwater at concentrations that required further study or action:

  • the former fire training area and airfield foam cannon testing area
  • sewage treatment plant
  • hangar 54 and fire station
  • fuel farm 2, tanker parking area (former fuel farm 1) and working area.

Human Health Risk Assessment

As part of the investigations, Defence conducted a Human Health Risk Assessment. This assessment measured the PFAS exposure risks to people living, working and undertaking recreational activities within the management area.

This assessment found PFAS contamination from RAAF Base Richmond is generally low, with possible elevated exposure scenarios for people who eat home-grown produce. More details on Defence’s risk assessments can be found in the Human Health Risk Assessment factsheet under the Recent reports and factsheets section.

To support communities reduce their exposure to PFAS, the NSW Environment Protection Authority released precautionary dietary advice.

Additional investigations

Defence conducted a PFAS movement assessment that tracks how and where PFAS are moving from the source areas and how many PFAS are leaving the base. This study helps determine the best remediation actions to reduce the amount of PFAS leaving RAAF Base Richmond.

The assessment found that PFAS mainly moves off base through surface water drains to the east of the base. Surface water that runs through the top layer of soil was identified as a key transport pathway.

Remediation and management

The aim of remediation is to minimise PFAS leaving the base by focusing on 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 RAAF Base Richmond setting out the proposed remedial works and other management actions to manage potential risks presented by PFAS.

Soil remediation

As most PFAS moves through surface water at RAAF Base Richmond, the remedial works focus on addressing PFAS in the top layer of soils at the source areas.

Soil remediation works at the former fire training area were completed in 2021. Soil remediation involved treating PFAS-impacted soils with activated carbon. This made the PFAS stick to the product within the soil and stop it from moving when it rains. The treated soil was then returned to the area and covered with a clean layer of topsoil to prevent erosion.

Further soil remediation works for the fire station, the foam canon testing area and additional aircraft taxiways areas near the fire training area are planned to commence following the 2024–25 bushfire season. These works are expected to take 6 months to complete. Defence will share the outcomes of the remediation works once they are complete.

Defence anticipates that once remediation across the base is complete, there will be a reduction of PFAS entering the base drainage system and eventually discharging into the wider management area.

Groundwater remediation

Initial investigations identified elevated PFAS concentrations in groundwater on the northern boundary of the base.

Further investigations determined that PFAS in groundwater contributed to less than 10% of PFAS contamination moving off the base in comparison to surface water. The contamination was likely the result of a spill of firefighting foams containing PFAS near the foam testing facility on the northern boundary of the base.

To better understand PFAS in groundwater, Defence undertook soil investigation works in late 2024. The outcomes of this investigation will inform future groundwater remediation or management options to address PFAS-impacted groundwater moving across the northern boundary of the base.

Ongoing monitoring

Continuous monitoring of PFAS on and around the base continues through sampling of surface water, groundwater and sediment. 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.

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.

Document archive

The RAAF Base Richmond 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 - Richmond (PDF, 225.79 KB)

Last review: 10 April 2025