The state government is urging residents who consume fish from the Peel River in Tamworth to limit their weekly intake.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The NSW Government has reviewed the results of fish sampling for PFAS in the river and is recommending that regular consumers of locally caught Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Carp limit their weekly intake.
PFAS (Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances) is a group of chemicals used in a range of industrial and consumer products including in fire retardants, water proofing, food preparation, food packaging, furnishings, clothing and recreational equipment.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) says sampling from March showed low PFAS levels in these fish species, taken from the Jewry St bridge at Tamworth downstream to Ellisvale, and in the Wallamore-Anabranch and Bolton's Creek catchment.
EPA Executive Director of Hazardous Incidents and Environmental Health Sarah Gardner said although the fish showed low levels of PFAS, there is no consistent evidence that PFAS has human health impacts.
The provision of recreational fishing advice is consistent with the NSW Government’s precautionary approach to managing PFAS across the state.
“Taking a precautionary approach helps to protect the community from any unknown health risks of PFAS,” Mrs Gardner said.
“Identifying any potential pathways through which people might come into contact with PFAS is part of the NSW approach.
“We have already spoken with a small number of individual landowners around the Tamworth Regional Airport earlier this year, providing tailored advice to help them to reduce or eliminate their exposure to PFAS until further investigations are undertaken.
“The advice for local recreational fishers continues this approach, as we work with Tamworth Regional Council to provide meaningful results to the community about any contamination in the area and ensure that the community receives information in a timely manner.”
