The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will be installing signage at key public locations on the Upper Belubula River providing precautionary dietary advice for recreational fishers in the region.
This advice was recommended by the NSW PFAS Technical Advisory Group (TAG) following testing by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) scientists who tested fish caught at two locations on the river earlier this year.
Results 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. For those who wish to consume their catch, precautionary dietary limits are provided for certain fish species caught in the Belubula River downstream of Junctions Reef Dam and Cadiangullong Creek only.
The advice is relevant for the Upper Belubula section of the river and does not impact fishing in Carcoar Dam.
It’s important to note that this dietary advice is precautionary. It assumes a high consumption rate of all species and it is provided to ensure recreational fishers can make informed decisions about what and how much of their catch they eat.
While the presence of PFAS in the environment does not necessarily mean there is a risk to human health, the NSW Government takes a precautionary approach where there is a potential for ingestion of contaminated food or water.
More information about the dietary advice for specific species can be found at https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Working-together/Community-engagement/updates-on-issues/upper-belubula-region
PFAS are a group of chemicals that are ubiquitous in the environment. Due to their fire retardant, waterproofing and stain resistant qualities, have been widely used in many industrial and consumer products worldwide such as food packaging, non-stick cookware, fabric, furniture and carpet stain protection applications, clothing, and some types of fire-fighting foam
DANIELLE WILLIAMS | 0448 196 606
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