Perth

Various entities have provided aviation rescue and fire fighting services at Perth Airport since the 1950s. Airservices has provided these services at the airport since 1995.

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 Perth 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 Perth 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.

We completed a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) in 2018. PFAS detections in surface water and groundwater were above the adopted human health and ecological criteria. PFAS detections in soil samples were below the adopted ecological and human health criteria.

We are currently undertaking a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI), and this is expected to be completed in 2025.

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.

At Perth Airport, we removed and safely disposed of PFAS-impacted materials and soil associated with the demolished, old fire station.

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

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