The South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA SA) is proposing to establish a Groundwater Prohibition Area (GPA) to protect residents from groundwater contamination in parts of Edinburgh, Direk, Burton, Salisbury North, Penfield, Paralowie and Waterloo Corner.
EPA SA said environmental assessments undertaken by the Australian Department of Defence had determined that groundwater in shallow aquifers in the areas had been contaminated by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Acting Director Regulation for EPA SA, Andrew Pruszinski said residents in the GPA should not use water from bores to a depth of 60 metres for any purpose.
Mr Pruszinski said there were about 4,000 residential, commercial and other properties in the proposed GPA.
He said that subject to any new COVID restrictions there would be a community information session from noon to 8pm on Thursday 14 October where staff from Defence, EPA SA and SA Health would be available to answer questions.
Mr Pruszinski said PFAS was a potential health risk if people used bore water over a long period of time.
“This means using bore water for drinking, showering, washing, filling swimming pools or watering lawns, or fruit and vegetables for consumption, is considered a health risk,” he said.
The Acting Director said PFAS were manufactured chemicals used in a range of industrial and consumer products from the 1950s, including some types of firefighting foam.
He said the Department of Defence’s environmental investigation looked at the presence of PFAS on and near the RAAF Base Edinburgh.
He said community consultation would remain open until 16 November and, after further engagement the area included in the proposed GPA could increase.
Further information, including a map of the proposed GPA and how to register for the community information session, can be accessed at this PS News link.
