The CFA has been undertaking targeted testing at its regional training grounds in light of Fiskville.
EPA has received information from the CFA on groundwater contamination at some of its regional training facilities, including the Penshurst training site in south-west of Victoria.
The information showed elevated levels of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in groundwater at the Penshurst site. The CFA has advised EPA that the contamination is considered a low-level risk to the local community.
EPA took action on the information presented to it by the CFA and contacted Southern Rural Water and Wannon Water as the responsible water authorities to obtain further information about regional groundwater flow and bore use.
Wannon Water has confirmed it is highly confident there will be no impact on the urban water supply.
EPA expects all duty holders, including government agencies, to share information in an open and transparent manner in the interests of protecting Victoria’s environment.
EPA has begun the process of issuing statutory clean up notices for CFA’s Penshurst site, which will be followed by Wangaratta and the remaining sites over the coming weeks.
EPA is working with CFA, Wannon Water and Southern Rural Water to better understand any impacts on the environment of these chemicals and direction of groundwater flow in the area.
EPA appreciates that this may cause the community to be concerned:
If community members have concerns about their drinking water, they should call Wannon Water on 1300 926 666.
If community members have concerns about their ground water they should call Southern Rural Water on: 1300 139 510.
If community member have concerns about their previous involvement with the Penshurst site please call: 1800 628 616.