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PFAS detections at Wagga Wagga
In 2023 Defence detected low levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at two groundwater monitoring wells approximately 650 metres from the East Wagga borefield operated by the Riverina Water. These monitoring wells do not form part of Riverina Water’s drinking water supply and the PFAS levels were below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
The East Wagga borefield is one of four main water sources used by Riverina Water. Extensive ongoing testing has confirmed there is no PFAS in the East Wagga borefield.
While these results suggest the PFAS plume from RAAF Base Wagga is more extensive than originally predicted, currently there is no threat to Wagga Wagga’s water supply from PFAS contamination from RAAF Base Wagga.
Defence is working closely with Riverina Water, New South Wales (NSW) Government, and Wagga Wagga City Council to help safeguard the Wagga Wagga water supply over the long-term by implementing management strategies including regular monitoring and testing.
Investigations and findings
In November 2018, Defence completed investigations into PFAS contamination on and around RAAF Base Wagga.
Defence recognises that PFAS contamination from RAAF Base Wagga 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 is mostly concentrated in areas where firefighting foams were previously used, stored or disposed.
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 key source areas were identified where PFAS was found in soil, surface water and groundwater at concentrations that required further study or action:
- the former fire training area
- current fire station
- fire extinguisher training pad and former fire station area.
Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment
As part of the investigations, Defence conducted a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment. This assessment determined the PFAS exposure risks to people living, working and undertaking recreational activities within the monitoring area and to local plant and animal life. More details on Defence’s risk assessments can be found in the Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment factsheet under the Recent reports and factsheets section.
To support communities to reduce their exposure to PFAS, the NSW Environment Protection Authority has issued precautionary advice.
Additional investigations
Defence conducted a PFAS movement assessment that tracks how and where PFAS are moving from the source areas and how much PFAS are leaving the base. The investigations found that PFAS mainly moves off base through sewer pipes to the Forest Hill Sewage Treatment Plant and stormwater pipes to the Gumly Gumly Wetland, and then onto Marshalls Creek. These findings were used to help determine the best remediation actions to further reduce the amount of PFAS leaving RAAF Base Wagga.
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 monitoring area. Defence has a PFAS management area plan for RAAF Base Wagga setting out the proposed remedial works and other management actions to manage potential risks presented by PFAS.
In 2021, Defence collaborated with Wagga Wagga City Council to remove approximately 1,500 tonnes of PFAS impacted soils at Wagga Wagga Airport as part of the taxiway extension works. The soil was transported to a licensed facility for treatment and disposal.
On base remediation works are focused on addressing PFAS in soil and infrastructure such as concrete, and to reduce the amount of PFAS travelling off base through sewer and stormwater drainage pipes. These works commenced in 2024 and are continuing in 2025.
At the current fire station, remediation works are planned to seal concrete areas to create a barrier between the PFAS impacted concrete and surface water. The barrier will reduce the amount of PFAS moving through surface water and into the stormwater drainage network.
At the fire extinguisher pad, PFAS impacted concrete and asphalt, as well as nearby stormwater lines and underground storage pits will be removed. Parts of the sewer network will also be removed and replaced with new parts to reduce PFAS moving through soil into sewer pipes.
Other management actions
Investigations found that PFAS are leaving the base via sewer pipes and are being discharged to the Forest Hill Sewage Treatment Plant. The remediation works at the fire extinguisher training pad are expected to substantially reduce PFAS in this area. Defence will continue to work with Wagga Wagga City Council regarding these matters.
Ongoing monitoring
Monitoring of PFAS continues on and around RAAF Base Wagga through sampling of surface water and groundwater. Monitoring helps Defence understand if PFAS contamination is changing over time. Results are published in an Ongoing Monitoring Report and factsheet. Defence will continue to work with Riverina Water, the NSW Government, and Wagga Wagga City Council to manage any changes detected by monitoring.
Initial monitoring of groundwater east of the Gumly Gumly Wetland identified that the PFAS plume was more extensive than first estimated. Defence has since installed a more extensive network of groundwater monitoring wells in the monitoring area to provide more information on the extent and movement of the plume.
Recent reports and factsheets
Detailed reports from the PFAS Investigation and Management Program are available for download. Appendices to these reports can be found in the document archive. To discuss these reports contact pfas.enquiry@defence.gov.au.
- 2021 – 2023 Ongoing Monitoring Report Factsheet (PDF, 1.25 MB)
- 2021 – 2023 Ongoing Monitoring Report (PDF, 47.88 MB)
- April 2023 Community Information Session Presentation (PDF, 2.7 MB)
- PFAS Management Area Plan Implementation Progress Factsheet (PDF, 1 MB)
- PFAS Management Area Plan Report (PDF, 5 MB)
- PFAS Management Area Plan Factsheet (PDF, 1 MB)
- Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment Factsheet (PDF, 1 MB)
Document archive
The RAAF Base Wagga 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 - Wagga (PDF, 231.93 KB)
Last review: 4 February 2025