Several locations in Moruya will be tested for so-called ‘forever chemicals’. Photo: sonsam.
A South Coast council is testing for synthetic chemicals at several locations.
PFAS (per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals developed in the 1950s.
Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) has announced testing for PFAS at sites along Moruya’s Campbell Street and Thomas Street road verges, and at Gundary Oval.
An ESC spokesperson said the testing would take two weeks.
“The voluntary testing is associated with the decommissioning of a fuel site in Campbell Street and started Friday 11 July,” they said.
In modern times, PFAS are used in many everyday products – such as clothing, furniture, make-up, food packaging, non-stick pans, firefighting foam and cleaning products – because they repel oil, stains or water.
They are often described as ‘forever chemicals’ because they can take thousands of years to break down.
There are many forms of PFAS, which can lead to health problems at high concentrations.
The researchers will sample soil with hand tools at some locations in Moruya, or use the installation of PVC wells to collect groundwater at others.
Residents with properties adjacent to the road verge testing sites have been notified, along with users of Gundary Oval.
Gundary Oval will remain open during the testing.
“Testing will provide council with information on the level of PFAS at the sites, if any, and prepare the way for remediation if required,” the council spokesperson said.
The shire’s water supply was tested last year, with no detectable levels in either the north or south supply.
The NSW Government offered one-off tests to regional councils’ water supplies after PFAS was detected at water filtration plants in Sydney.
The results are expected to be known within six weeks.
Further information on PFAS and the council’s testing scheme is available online.
