WANGARATTAS CFA training centre in Shanley Street is being investigated by Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) for potential environmental contamination resulting from firefighting chemicals used in the past. The local facility is one of six regional CFA training centres across Victoria to go under the microscope, particularly for evidence of perflurooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a common but toxic ingredient of firefighting foams in the past, which was found in unsafe quantities at the former Fiskville Training Centre that closed after a parliamentary inquiry. The current EPA investigation will test the waterways, drains and groundwater that could be affected by contamination, which may have extended beyond the boundary of training facilities. EPA executive director of regional services Damian Wells said the risk to peoples health and the environment from the contamination was very low and that reticulated drinking water supplies in surrounding communities tested by water corporations are safe to drink. However, EPA will ensure the delivery of a comprehensive testing program in order to clarify the nature and extent of any potential contamination that may have gone beyond the boundary of the training centres, Mr Wells said. If any contamination is detected around training facilities, landholders who may be affected will be contacted directly. All local water authorities and key stakeholders including local governments and catchment management authorities have been visited and advised of environmental assessments completed to date. CFA CEO Michael Wootten said the CFA had engaged a world expert to advise on the effects of PFOS on the environment and on people. He advises there is very low risk to human health which gives reassurance to our people and the community, Mr Wootton said. We are communicating with all our members in relation to PFOS residues found in soil and groundwater at regional training grounds and we are working with government agencies led by the EPA to address these as quickly as possible. EPA said it would ensure the community is kept well informed about the testing regime and results, and people are welcome to call the EPA hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/cfa for further information. The website will be updated regularly as testing progresses.