Sunshine Coast

Airservices has provided aviation rescue and fire fighting services at Sunshine Coast Airport since 2004. Prior to 2004, local agencies provided these services.

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 fire fighting foam at Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast 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 preliminary sampling at Sunshine Coast Airport in 2017, and a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) was conducted in 2019. PFAS was detected on the airport near where fire fighting activities were carried out, including the former fire station and the main fire station. PFAS detections in soil were below the adopted human health and ecological criteria. One groundwater sample, near the old fire station, was found to have PFAS levels that exceeded the human health criteria for drinking water. The report noted that there is no known extraction of groundwater for potable use. PFAS concentrations in surface water were below the adopted human health criteria. The PSI findings suggest a low risk of PFAS migrating off-site and impacting drinking water sources.

We are currently undertaking a Targeted Site investigation (TSI) to investigate any potential off-site migration. It is expected to be completed in 2024.

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 Sunshine Coast Airport.

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