Thursday 10 August 2017

Toxic Firefighting Chemical Found at Argenton and Singleton Heights

BY IAN CROUCH AND BROOKE HEINZ

It's been revealed the same toxic chemical at the centre of the Williamtown contamination saga has been found elsewhere in the Hunter.

The Environment Protection Authority and Coal Services ordered testing at the Mines Rescue Stations at Argenton and Singleton Heights in April.

The tests confirmed traces of PFAS - the same firefighting foam chemical found at Williamtown- in the soil.

It's not clear if the amount of the chemical constitutes a contamination, but the risk to human health is considered low.

The findings have prompted Mayor of Lake Macquarie Kay Fraser to order further sediment testing.

"I think it's important that they do additional soil testing, and also to make it as quick and transparent as possible," Fraser said.

"The additional testing will ensure that [the chemical] has or hasn't [travelled outside the Mines Rescue site] and it will give confidence to the residents surrounding that area, as well."

The major investigation is under way with a report due next month.