PFAS on Norfolk Island
Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were first identified on Norfolk Island when a CSIRO-led assessment of water resources identified elevated levels of PFAS in the Mission Creek water catchment in December 2019.
Since that incident, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) has led the management and monitoring of PFAS on Norfolk Island, engaging Senversa Pty Ltd to implement the third year of the ongoing monitoring plan at Norfolk Island airport.
The Department has been working closely with Council, particularly in relation to Council's PFAS monitoring and management activities, at the fire station in 2024 after elevated levels of PFAS were identified at that location during routine monitoring.
The following Frequently Ased Questions have been developed to inform the community about the Norfolk Island PFAS Monitoring Program.
1. What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of manufactured chemicals previously used in firefighting foams and a range of industrial and consumer products. PFAS can remain in the environment for long periods and may move through soil, surface water and groundwater.
2. Why has PFAS monitoring been conducted on Norfolk Island?
PFAS investigations began after a CSIRO-led water resource assessment identified elevated PFAS levels in the Mission Creek catchment in 2019.
The DITRDCSA engaged environmental consultants Senversa Pty Ltd to undertake ongoing monitoring around Norfolk Island Airport and surrounding catchments to better understand:
- Where PFAS is present;
- Whether concentrations are changing over time;
- Potential exposure pathways; and
- Whether current management actions are effective.
3. What do the “trigger values” mean?
Trigger values are assessment levels used to help determine whether additional investigation or management actions may be required.
4. What was monitored in 2025?
The 2025 monitoring program included sampling of:
- Airport tanks, taps and bore water;
- Council facilities and water supplies;
- Surface waters in Mission Creek, Watermill Creek, Cascade Creek and Headstone Creek;
- Private bores near Mission Creek;
- Home-grown produce;
- Soil and dam sediments; and
- Additional drinking water points and environmental locations.
5. Have PFAS levels improved since monitoring began?
Yes.
PFAS concentrations in the Airport Bore and upper Mission Creek catchment generally decreased between 2020 and 2025.
At other locations, concentrations have varied over time. Some of the low-quality water sampled sites (water suitable for agriculture) recorded slightly higher concentrations in 2025 compared to 2024, however most results remained within historical ranges.
Monitoring also showed that PFAS concentrations generally decrease further away from known source areas.
6. What is the Airport Bore POET filtration system?
A Point-of-Entry Treatment (POET) filtration system has been installed on Airport Bore water supplies to reduce PFAS exposure.
Testing of treated water indicates low exposure potential for current uses. Ongoing quarterly monitoring will continue to assess the effectiveness of the treatment system and whether any additional actions are required.
7. What areas are considered higher levels?
Surface water within the Mission Creek catchment.
8. What happens next?
Senversa’s monitoring contract concluded in February 2026.
Future PFAS investigations on Norfolk Island continues under the DITRDCSA’s PFAS Airports Investigation Program.
Further monitoring, assessment and management actions may continue as additional data becomes available.
9. Is there a public PFAS Management Plan?
A Draft PFAS Management Plan is currently being developed by the DITRDCSA. At this stage, the document is not public.
10. Where can I get more information?