Groundwater model developed for the Port of Bundaberg

Earlier this year, Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) identified elevated levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, at the Port of Bundaberg.

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GPC’s priority was to confirm the initial groundwater sampling results against the Department of Health’s Recreational Water Guidelines (Commonwealth).

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During this process, the development of a groundwater model was commissioned by GPC to assist in determining the nature and extent of the issue.

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GPC CEO Peter O’Sullivan said the model has now been received.

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“The groundwater modelling indicates that the groundwater’s preferential flow is in a north-westerly direction, away from residential areas,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

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“We are now reviewing this information before determining the next steps.”

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There are no current restrictions to recreational activities such as swimming, boating or fishing, around the Port of Bundaberg area.

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GPC has also received the secondary groundwater results from four sites that underwent initial sampling in May.

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The validation sampling confirmed that two of the sites had traces of PFAS above national guideline levels.

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“We remain committed to keeping the community and our stakeholders informed throughout this process,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

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“We are also continuing to work closely with the Queensland Government in ensuring our response puts the health and safety of our community and our environment first.”

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Visit the Queensland Government webiste for further information on PFAS in Queensland.

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