Fresh contaminated foam and high levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in the upper Belubula River have sounded the alarm for landholders along the banks of the Belubula River.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are man-made chemicals used in everything from firefighting foam to shampoos, leather cleaner and hydraulic fluid. The chemicals take a long time to break down in both people and the environment.
Following the detection and testing of another potentially toxic foam spread along the river, the NSW Environmental Protection Authority issued further ‘catch and release’ guidance and signs along the upper Belubula river.
The EPA identified PFAS in several species of fish, including European Carp, Golden Perch and Murray Cod at both locations.
As a precaution, fishers are advised to consider catch and release only in the Belubula River, Cowriga Creek and Cadiangullong Creek.
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A NSW EPA spokesperson said monitoring had occurred along the river since May 2024, following strict national guidelines.
“In response to this monitoring, the EPA has imposed new licence conditions on the Environment Protection Licences of Cadia Valley Operations, Australian Native Landscapes (Blayney) and Blayney Landfill, requiring each site to undertake detailed investigations to assess potential on and offsite impacts,” the spokesperson said.
“We have also recently finalised precautionary dietary advice for fish caught in some parts of the Upper Belubula River following testing of several species of fish earlier this year.”
“However, the presence of PFAS in foam, surface water samples or fish does not necessarily mean there is a risk to livestock or human health.”
The spokesperson clarified that animals like cattle and sheep are exposed to PFAS and PFOS in different ways to fish and other aquatic creatures.
“Foam in water can collect and concentrate chemicals from the surrounding environment to much higher levels,” they said.
“This means that higher levels of a chemical contaminant in a foam compared to the level in the surrounding water, does not necessarily result in additional risk to human health, if contact is avoided.”
The news of yet another PFAS and PFOS detection in the waterways was enough to lead Canowindra wine grape grower and landholder Sam Statham to action.
Mr Statham held a community information session on Sunday, August 24, which saw about 70 landholders attend.
“Following the presentation of photos and analysis of upper Belubula water quality test results by Ian Wright, there is no doubt in my mind now that the EPA has fallen asleep at the wheel,” Mr Statham said.
“PFAS including PFOS has reached toxic levels in river sediment and in foam rafts.”
Mr Statham expressed his concern that potential contaminants could impact the market opportunities for livestock producers, and encouraged residents to call for change.
“Whilst it was concluded that the EPA is either unable or unwilling to do more, it was suggested that NSW Fisheries might be more helpful,” he said
“Individuals should contact their local member.”
