Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) has received a new groundwater model after it identified elevated levels of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, at Port Central in Gladstone and the Port of Bundaberg.
GPC’s priority was to confirm the initial groundwater sampling results against the Department of Health’s Recreational Water Guidelines (Commonwealth).
During this process, the development of a groundwater model was commissioned by GPC to assist in determining the nature and extent of the issue.
GPC CEO, Peter O’Sullivan, said the model has now been received.
“The groundwater modelling indicates that the groundwater’s preferential flow is away from residential areas and towards Ship Creek,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“We have assessed the situation at Ship Creek through two rounds of groundwater sampling, with no elevated levels recorded.”
There are no current restrictions to recreational activities such as swimming, boating or fishing, around the Port Central area.
GPC is now reviewing the latest information available before determining whether further work is required.
“We remain committed to keeping the community and our stakeholders informed throughout this process,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“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.”
