By Holly McGuinness
Brimbank council is lobbying for a better response to address the chemical clean up per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a common ingredient in fire fighting foam historically used at Melbourne Airport.
Brimbank Mayor, Jasmine Nguyen said on the matter, “Council has been advocating on behalf of the local community who are affected by this ongoing and serious PFAS concern,
“We are calling on the Commonwealth to enforce compliance of Airservices Australia with regulatory obligations to address this issue at their leased sites and ensure they are taking the appropriate action to mitigate risks.”
AirServices Australia has previously been under investigation numerous time for clean up of PFAS recently facing legal action at Launceston airport for their alleged clean up delays.
A spokesperson for AirServices Australia said, “we are taking action through our National PFAS Management Program, which includes site investigations, monitoring, management actions and remediation works.
“At Melbourne Airport, we have completed a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI). A Detailed Site Investigation is currently underway and is due to be completed in 2023.
“At Melbourne Airport, we have already taken action to upgrade the wastewater system on our lease area to prevent PFAS-containing surface water from migrating.
“Airservices’ lease areas are not the only source of PFAS around Melbourne Airport, with APAM and other current and previous tenants also known to be sources.”
Melbourne airport advised they continue to try to work alongside council and the community as a spokesperson for the airport said, “Melbourne Airport takes the management of PFAS very seriously, and has worked hard to minimise the risk of downstream contamination.
“This includes the construction of our own dedicated PFAS containment facility to manage contaminated soil on the airport, and a water treatment plant on Arundel Creek.
“Melbourne Airport has worked constructively with Brimbank Council on the issue of PFAS, and appreciates council’s support to ensure other organisations comply with their obligations to the community”
