01 Jun Port of Bundaberg groundwater validation results.
Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) recently initiated voluntary groundwater monitoring at the Port of Bundaberg.
Elevated levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, were detected at one of the five testing sites during this preliminary phase.
The levels were evaluated according to the Department of Health’s Recreational Water Guidelines (Commonwealth).
The secondary round of test results indicated levels within the national water guidelines.
GPC CEO Peter O’Sullivan says more information is still required:
“A groundwater model is also being developed in addition to the validation testing conducted earlier this month,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“The development of the model is still pending but it will help understand the nature and extent of the issue at the Port of Bundaberg, as well as whether any further investigations are required.”
An additional four bores successfully underwent preliminary testing, with two of these returning results above guidelines levels.
These are industrial sites that are not in close proximity to the community, nor are they related to town drinking water supplies.
The community will continue to receive updates once groundwater modelling is finalised, and throughout any future investigations.
The Corporation is also continuing to work closely with the Queensland Government throughout this process.
For further information on PFAS, visit the State Government website:
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/investigation-pfas
