Shine Lawyers is investigating a potential class action for the chemical contamination of soil and groundwater in and around Jervis Bay, located on the South Coast of NSW that borders HMAS Creswell and Jervis Bay Range Facility. Our investigation seeks to determine whether the contamination was a result of the Department of Defence using firefighting foam containing per- and poly- fluoroalkyls (PFAS). Click here to register now.
Background
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) regularly conducted firefighting drills during the 1970s to at least 2004, using a type of firefighting foam known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). HMAS Creswell and Jervis Bay Range Facility historically used this foam during training.
The ADF commenced a detailed site investigation at HMAS Creswell and Jervis Bay Range Facility in March 2017, with the results detecting PFAS in surface water, groundwater and sediment around the base. The report found widespread PFAS contamination in groundwater both on and off-base, exceeding health-based recommendations for drinking water.
What is this class action about?
This class action is intended to be for members of the Jervis Bay community who own, or have owned property in the contaminated area. Shine Lawyers are investigating whether the PFAS contamination has negatively impacted land values in Jervis Bay.
The investigation for Jervis Bay follows the launch of class actions in Oakey and Katherine by Shine Lawyers against the Department of Defence, for the contamination of soil and groundwater which led to the decline of property values.
Am I eligible to participate in the Class Action?
The Department of Defence is undertaking a long-term environmental investigation into the contamination of groundwater and soil in the Jervis Bay area. As part of this investigation, they have released a map identifying the investigation area. Click here to download a copy of the investigation area map.
To be eligible for the Class Action, your property must be located in or around the investigation area and owned by you in 2016.
The eligibility criteria for the Class Action may change, depending on legal advice as matters progress. If there are any changes, we will contact you.
Who is Shine Lawyers’ Class Action team?
Shine Lawyers’ Class Action team consists of some of the firm’s most experienced Special Counsel, Solicitors and support staff, including Law Clerks and Paralegals. The Jervis Bay investigation team includes:
