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Category: Environmental Impact / Air Transport / Public Sector / Water Pollution

Fish and waterways near Gold Coast Airport being tested for toxic run-off

Tuesday, 24 Jan 2017 13:29:24

Samples will be taken from Cobaki Lakes behind Gold Coast Airport. (www.goldcoastairport.com)

Seafood sampling has begun to determine how far toxic chemicals have spread from Gold Coast Airport into the surrounding environment.

The decision to begin testing today came after low levels of a once-used firefighting foam were found in soil and groundwater near the Coolangatta airport's boundary last year.

Fish and sediment samples are being collected this week from Cobaki Lakes, which is adjacent to the airport and south of the New South Wales border.

The testing was commissioned by Airservices Australia (AA), the government body that runs firefighting services at the airport.

AA said the project would examine a total of five sediment samples, five surface water samples and collection of six seafood species.

"The project is focused on examining if there is any potential historical per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination affecting local seafood species," an AA statement said.

"The aim is to better understand if there is any impact which could be attributed to the historical use of PFAS containing firefighting foam."

The chemicals have contaminated Air Force bases at Oakey in south-east Queensland and Williamtown near the New South Wales city of Newcastle.

Legacy issues with toxic chemicals from firefighting foam in waterways remains a national issue. Photo: Low levels of firefighting foam residue were found near the airport last year. (CRC CARE)

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said he had eaten fish from the affected area and potential contamination was a concern.

"It's not a panic stage at the moment. We just need to push hard and get these results and see what is actually there," he said.

"There's some pretty pristine mud flats, mangroves, swamps. It is a fish breeding ground for a lot of the Tweed River and it is quite popular with fishermen.

"There are some pretty good mud crabs and different species that can be obtained in that area … sea mullet, sand mullets, mud crabs and also the Sydney rock oyster."

Consulting firm GHD is overseeing the testing, along with the NSW environment department, with results expected in March.

AustraliaPlus


 

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