Launceston Airport has legacy PFAS (per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances) contamination. These chemicals were historically used by Airservices Australia in firefighting foams known as Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF), which was applied during emergency responses and training exercises involving fuel fires. Usage of AFFF ended at Launceston Airport in 2010.
Launceston Airport is actively working with government agencies and Airservices Australia to better understand the extent of PFAS contamination and to identify opportunities for remediation, while implementing best-practice management strategies.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment and can accumulate over time. Their stable properties made them ideal for use in heat- and water-resistant products, but these same properties have led to widespread environmental contamination. PFAS are commonly found globally in soil, surface water, and groundwater due to their resistance to breakdown.
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