Traces of banned toxic chemical compounds, found in firefighting foam, have been detected in water samples drawn from close to an Auckland air base.
A New Zealand Defence Force spokeswoman said three selected bores tested positive for PFAS, but this result was below interim drinking water guidelines.
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* Bores thought to be ‘unaffected’ by toxic chemical, say Defence Force No PFAS was found in three further deeper bores, she said.
A Government investigation, coordinated by The Ministry for the Environment, was launched in December 2017 when PFOS and PFOA were found at Ohakea and Woodbourne air bases in higher levels than health guidelines allow.
The West Auckland air base was in the second ‘tier’ of sites to be tested, as early work by NZDF suggested the risks of contaminated drinking water were less than that at Ohakea or Woodbourne, according to the Ministry for the Environment.
However, preliminary testing at the base showed low levels of PFAS in stream sediments close the air base boundary which spurred on further investigation.
They have been offered advice relative to their confidential results, she said.
Nearby Hobsonville, a former NZDF base, was cleared of concerns for soil contamination in March.
PFAS compounds have been commonly used since the 1950s in household products such as floor wax, furniture protectants and non-stick cookware.