PFAS

Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are manufactured chemicals that have been used in a wide variety of substances and applications that include textiles and leather products, non-stick cookware, food and packaging, floor polishes, pesticides, water and stain repellents. They were also used in some firefighting foams.

PFAS products resist physical, chemical and biological degradation, resulting in a persistent chemical that is very stable and therefore accumulates in the environment. Overtime, these chemicals migrate into surrounding soils, groundwater and surface water. PFAS contamination is not specific to Hobart Airport. It is an emerging national and international issue, that has been the subject of research by scientists, industry and regulators across the globe. PFAS was historically used at Hobart Airport for the purposes of aviation firefighting conducted by Airservices Australia (ASA). The use of PFAS was phased out at Hobart Airport in 2010.

PFAS has been detected at Hobart Airport, due to historical purposes in regard to aviation firefighting and training activities. PFAS-free firefighting foam is now used, for operational responses only, with all training at Hobart Airport using water only.

Hobart Airport undertakes a collaborative approach to PFAS management, working with both State and Commonwealth regulators, and Airservices Australia.
Hobart Airport is aware of the PFAS impacted sites on airport land and manages sites in accordance with the guidance provided by the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan 2.0 (NEMP).

There are currently two Detailed Site Investigations(DSI)  into PFAS being undertaken at Hobart Airport:

• The Australian Government has committed $130.5 million for a Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Airports Investigation Program, at civilian airports where the Commonwealth historically provided firefighting services which used PFAS-containing foams. Hobart Airport is a voluntary participant in this program. The investigation at Hobart Airport commenced on 1 July 2023 and is anticipated to take approximately 3 years to complete.
• Air Services Australia is also undertaking a DSI.

• Hobart Airport | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
• Hobart | Engage Airservices
• Airservices Australia Management of PFAS;
• Airservices Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) for Hobart Airport;
• Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) – DCCEEW
• Tasmanian EPA PFAS Contamination;
• PFAS National Environmental Management Plan 2020