The Department of Defense has revealed they plan to spend roughly $400 million over the next four years on investigations into PFAS contaminated military bases, like the one at Williamtown.
A total of 27 site investigations have been established, which aim to determine contaminated sites and begin PFAS management plans for the areas.
Half of the 27 investigations have already been completed, including the base at Williamtown.
Coalition Against PFAS president, Lindsey Clout says the investigation has done little to help the residents of the Williamtown area.
"It means nothing for us, this is nothing more than an extension of the investigation into the other contaminated areas across the country,"
"The investigations have already been completed at William Town. We've had a red zone for over 4 years, we've had a management zone for approaching two years and what's it meant for us?"
"It's meant nothing, we're still stuck here living in the contamination every day and the Prime Minister just continually ignores us."
$205 million will be spent in 2019/2020, $101 million the next year, and a further 91 million dollars is expected to be spent over the following two financial years.
Deputy Secretary of Estate and Infrastructure, Steve Grzeskowiak, says the funding for PFAS investigation and management will decline over the next four years as less exploratory activities need to be undertaken.
Mr. Grzeskowiak says the next step for the Defence Department is producing PFAS management plans for all of the affected sites.
These management plans include water treatment or removing contaminated soil around the military bases and the surrounding community.
Lindsey Clout said he has his doubts that the allocated budget is enough to clean up the area.
"Defence has spent $100 million already at the Williamtown contaminated area and we still haven't stopped the chemical running of the base."
The $400 million plan does not include any plans for compensation for the residents who were affected by the contamination.
Mr. Grzeskowiak said there has been no allocated or estimated figure for compensation as it is an 'unquantifiable contingent liability'.
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| Image: ABC |
