Karratha

Various entities have provided aviation rescue and fire fighting services at Karratha Airport since the late 1980s. Airservices provided these services at the airport between 1995-2003 and recommenced services from 2009.

PFAS and fire fighting foam

PFAS stands for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, which are manufactured chemicals used in products that resist heat, oil, stains and water. They have been widely used since the 1950s in common household products, as well as commercial industrial applications such as fire fighting foams.

When Airservices became aware of the potential environmental impacts of PFAS in the early 2000s, we transitioned away from their use. We have used PFAS-free foam at Karratha Airport since 2010.

Site investigations

As part of Airservices' National PFAS Management Program, we are undertaking site investigations to determine the nature and extent of PFAS at Karratha Airport. Site investigations have included sampling of soil, groundwater and surface water, using adopted criteria for ecological and human health to assess the levels of PFAS.

In 2018, we completed a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) at Karratha Airport. The PSI indicated that PFAS concentrations in groundwater exceeded the adopted human health and ecological criteria. PFAS detections in soil and sediment were below the adopted human health criteria. Two soil samples had PFAS concentrations above the adopted ecological criteria.

We are currently undertaking a Targeted Site investigation (TSI) and this is expected to be completed in 2025. The TSI will further characterise PFAS impacts associated with our use of fire fighting foam at the airport, including at associated drainage and discharge channels/points.

We will undertake a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) if more information is required.

Management and remediation

We manage legacy PFAS through our National PFAS Management Program to ensure the safety of our people and the communities and environment in which we operate.

The information obtained from the TSI will inform next steps in the management or remediation of our sites at Karratha Airport.

We collaborate with relevant State environmental and health regulators and Karratha Airport as part of an evidence-led approach to the responsible management of PFAS.