If you have any questions about the investigation or management activities Defence is undertaking, please contact us using the details below.
PFAS Investigation &
Management Program
RAAF Base Williamtown
RAAF Base Williamtown
PFAS Investigation & Management
All findings from the investigation are available on the publications page including detailed reports and factsheets.
Defence is now focusing on management and remediation of PFAS contamination within the Management Area.
The outcomes of the investigation have been used to develop a PFAS Management Area Plan that outlines the best management and remediation solutions for the unique circumstances at Williamtown.
Further information is available on the management activities page.
With the conclusion of the investigation, Defence remains committed to working with the community, and to continue being actively involved in the remediation, management and ongoing monitoring of PFAS in Williamtown.
Investigation and Management Timeline
More information about the investigation stages is available on the investigation and management process page.
Ongoing Monitoring
Ongoing
We are continuing to monitor PFAS in the Management Area. The ongoing monitoring plan shows where we are monitoring and how often we are taking samples. The related factsheet is from the October 2022 Community Information Session and contains an update on ongoing monitoring, remediation and the groundwater strategy review.
We are continuing to monitor PFAS in the Management Area. The ongoing monitoring plan shows where we are monitoring and how often we are taking samples. The related factsheet is from the October 2022 Community Information Session and contains an update on ongoing monitoring, remediation and the groundwater strategy review.
Groundwater Strategy Review
Published
Oct 2022
The Groundwater Strategy Review evaluates the effectiveness of remedial measures undertaken to‑date, and informs the update to the Williamtown PFAS Management Area Plan. For more information, please access the Numerical Groundwater Model Update Report and the Remedial Options Report provided.
The Groundwater Strategy Review evaluates the effectiveness of remedial measures undertaken to‑date, and informs the update to the Williamtown PFAS Management Area Plan. For more information, please access the Numerical Groundwater Model Update Report and the Remedial Options Report provided.
PFAS Management Area Plan
Published
Jul 2019
The PFAS Management Area Plan informs the activities Defence will undertake to manage, monitor and reduce potential risks of PFAS exposure on, and around, the Base.
The PFAS Management Area Plan informs the activities Defence will undertake to manage, monitor and reduce potential risks of PFAS exposure on, and around, the Base.
Ecological Risk Assessment
Complete
Oct 2018
This stage built on the findings of the 2016 Preliminary Ecological Risk Assessment. The report outlines PFAS exposure risks for plants and animals in the Investigation Area.
This stage built on the findings of the 2016 Preliminary Ecological Risk Assessment. The report outlines PFAS exposure risks for plants and animals in the Investigation Area.
Off-Site Human Health Risk Assessment
Complete
Dec 2017
This stage built on previous Human Health Risk Assessments by using newly adopted Health Based Guidance Values from the Department of Health and considering new sampling and survey data.
This stage built on previous Human Health Risk Assessments by using newly adopted Health Based Guidance Values from the Department of Health and considering new sampling and survey data.
Environmental Site Assessment
Complete
Dec 2017
This stage refined the 2016 Environmental Site Assessment by addressing data gaps and uncertainties regarding the extent of contamination in some areas. The assessment outlined the location of PFAS in the Investigation Area and how it is moving.
This stage refined the 2016 Environmental Site Assessment by addressing data gaps and uncertainties regarding the extent of contamination in some areas. The assessment outlined the location of PFAS in the Investigation Area and how it is moving.
Human Health Risk Assessment - Addendum
Complete
Apr 2017
This addendum to the 2016 Human Health Risk Assessment considered a new Tolerable Daily Intake released by Food Standards Australia New Zealand for certain PFAS.
This addendum to the 2016 Human Health Risk Assessment considered a new Tolerable Daily Intake released by Food Standards Australia New Zealand for certain PFAS.
Preliminary Ecological Risk Assessment
Complete
Dec 2016
The purpose of the 2016 Preliminary Ecological Risk Assessment was to identify potential exposure-risks to plants and animals within the Investigation Area, for further assessment in a comprehensive Ecological Risk Assessment.
The purpose of the 2016 Preliminary Ecological Risk Assessment was to identify potential exposure-risks to plants and animals within the Investigation Area, for further assessment in a comprehensive Ecological Risk Assessment.
Human Health Risk Assessment
Complete
Aug 2016
The purpose of the 2016 Human Health Risk Assessment was to evaluate potential exposure-risks to people, within the Investigation Area.
The purpose of the 2016 Human Health Risk Assessment was to evaluate potential exposure-risks to people, within the Investigation Area.
Environmental Site Assessment
Complete
Aug 2016
Similar to a Detailed Site Investigation, the 2016 Environmental Site Assessment involved sampling of soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater, to better understand how PFAS moves through the environment.
Similar to a Detailed Site Investigation, the 2016 Environmental Site Assessment involved sampling of soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater, to better understand how PFAS moves through the environment.
Stage 1 and 2 Environmental Investigations
Complete
2015
These stages involved a review of the historical use of firefighting foams on-base to identify potential sources of PFAS contamination.
These stages involved a review of the historical use of firefighting foams on-base to identify potential sources of PFAS contamination.
Reports and factsheets for this stage are available on the publications page.
