PFAS Contamination at Botany Bay Beach Spurs New Testing From EPA

The NSW Environment Protection Authority has ordered new testing at Tower Beach in Botany Bay, near Sydney Airport, following growing concerns about potential contamination from PFAS or “forever chemicals” as per the Sydney Morning Herald.

Despite being quietly closed to swimmers last week, the area was still being frequented by beachgoers, unaware of the warnings.

This marks the NSW EPA‘s first testing of Botany Bay since 2018, when high PFAS levels were detected in fish species, prompting dietary warnings.

Botany Bay ‘Planespotting Beach’ frequently visited by fishermen and families, unaware of PFAS warning

Officially known as Commonwealth Beach, the planespotting site, is a hidden gem popular among fishermen and families.

Despite its picturesque settings and calm waters, the beach has been marred by its history of contamination stemming from the airport’s use of PFAS-laden firefighting foams.

PFAS substances do not degrade in the environment and have been known to cause cancer, high cholesterol, and immune dysfunction.

“No swimming” and “No fishing” signs were put up in 2023 as precautionary measures. But their obscured placement left many beachgoers unaware of the hazardous risks. In contrast, signs discouraging bird feeding are more visible in the car park.

Terry Daly, a local resident, criticised the lack of transparency to the Sydney Morning Herald, saying, “Tiny kids are playing on the sand there all the time,” revealing it took him months to find out why the beach was closed.

Jack Martin, a regular fisherman, admitted he was unaware of the potential cancer-causing chemicals until informed by reporters. “I probably wouldn’t swim around here anyway, but I would still fish,” he said.

NSW EPA testing to reassess PFAS level in Botany Bay area

The testing from the Minns government aims to reassess the validity of previous warnings. An EPA spokesperson said testing will include fish from Botany Bay and nearby Georges River.

“Please note, the advice… is if one single species is eaten per week. Eating multiple species would result in a greater exposure,” the advice notice says.

“The current precautionary dietary advice remains in place, however PFAS use in firefighting foam is being phased out and any impacts have recently been reduced,” the spokesperson said.

Foreshore area contamination reflects broader water pollution issue in Australia

According to a report by SMH, Botany Bay has some of the highest PFAS-polluted area ever recorded in Australia, with the airport’s aquifer serving as a major source.

Additionally in June 2024, a similar report from SMH revealed low levels of PFAS detected in water supplies.

NSW authorities locked in jurisdiction dispute

However, the airport’s location on Commonwealth land has complicated remediation efforts, as the site falls under federal jurisdiction rather than state oversight, as reported by SMH.

Therefore limiting the EPA‘s ability to compel investigations or enforce “polluter pays”, leading to ongoing frustrations.

The federal government has defended their efforts as “appropriately managed,” pointing to over $130 million committed to investigating PFAS nationwide.

Airservices Australia is conducting its own investigation into the airports’ contamination, with results expected by mid-2025.

Meanwhile as testing continues, the EPA advises the public to avoid fishing and swimming in the Tower Beach area.