Mackay

Various entities have provided aviation rescue and fire fighting services at Mackay Airport since 1964. 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 Mackay 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 Mackay 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 early 2019, we completed a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) and limited sampling at Mackay Airport. In late 2019, we completed further targeted investigations to better characterise PFAS on and off-airport, including sampling of sediment, surface water and biota in Shellgrit Creek.

The PSI found PFAS on the airport at and near locations where aviation rescue and fire fighting operations were established, including locations not associated with our activities. The PSI report indicated PFAS in groundwater and surface water on-airport above the adopted human health criteria, noting that groundwater on the airport is unlikely to be extracted for potable purposes. Two of the nine groundwater samples exceeded the adopted ecological criteria. PFAS detections in soil and sediment were below the adopted human health and ecological criteria.

We subsequently undertook targeted off-site sampling that indicated PFAS levels above the adopted human health criteria in fish sampled in Shellgrit Creek, adjacent to the airport. We also commissioned a water survey of neighbouring properties to the south and east of the airport as part of this investigation. There were PFAS detections above the adopted human health criteria in both surface water and groundwater samples. The results of the water survey indicated there are no known properties to the south and east of the airport using groundwater bores for drinking water or irrigation.

We are currently undertaking a Detailed Site investigation (DSI) to determine the sources of PFAS found in Shellgrit Creek, and this is expected to be completed in 2025.

Site 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 DSI will inform next steps in the management or remediation of our sites at Mackay Airport.

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