On Sunday an article appeared in the Sunday Herald Sun concerning water tests at our six CFA managed regional training centres.
Over the weekend we were contacted by the paper and asked to provide a comment.
The following statement was provided.
“CFA’s regional training centres are safe for use and are continuing to operate.
This has been confirmed following testing of drinking and training water, and targeted environmental testing of soil, sediment and surface water. Draft reports were received last week.
Drinking water is safe and clear of all PFCs. Water for training is fit for purpose with levels of PFCs identified below the international criteria for recreational use.
Low levels of PFC’s were found in some soil, sediment and surface water samples – all samples were many orders of magnitude lower than those found at Fiskville.
A small number of groundwater and soil results fell outside the international criteria, requiring further testing and analysis.
Final results will not be available for release until these tests are completed.
EPA and WorkSafe have been briefed and are awaiting results of further testing and investigations before considering any proposed action plans.
The results should give confidence to all those who have used these training facilities that there is no risk to their health. Anyone wanting more information can call 1800 628 616.”
We also provided information to say that the draft water management plan referred to in the article is unrelated to recent water testing conducted at our regional training centres. We will not be lowering our water quality standards to meet test results.
After receiving the draft reports, I am satisfied that all six regional training centres – Bangholme, Huntly, Longerenong, Penshurst, Wangaratta and West Sale – do not pose health risks and training can continue.
These facilities are essential to CFA’s ongoing need for state-wide training and the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and visitors always remains our top priority.
Michael Wootten
CEO
Author: Michael Wootten