PFAS is the abbreviation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Due to their technical properties, this group of substances has been used in many areas, including certain fire-fighting foams. PFAS break down very slowly in the environment. For this reason, they are now being examined particularly closely and are subject to stricter regulations.

Following investigations in accordance with the Contaminated Sites Remediation Act, the site was classified as a contaminated site of priority class 1. According to the assessment by the Environment Agency Austria, the PFAS deposits are linked to historical fire-extinguishing drills conducted since the facility began operations in 1980. The next steps for containment and remediation are being prepared with the responsible authorities and expert bodies.

Depending on the product, PFAS are or have been used in items such as water- and dirt-repellent textiles, waterproofing agents, certain food contact materials, coatings, cosmetics, and fire-extinguishing foams. Whether a specific product contains PFAS depends on its composition and the period in which it was manufactured.

Since January 1, 2023, maximum levels for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and their sum have been in effect in the EU for selected food products. In Austria, a parameter value of 0.10 µg/l for the 'sum of PFAS' from 20 individual substances has applied to drinking water since January 12, 2026.

The investigations confirm significant PFAS contamination of the subsoil and groundwater. The Environment Agency Austria has classified the site as a contaminated site of priority class 1. It describes a PFAS plume more than 500 m long and approximately 500 m wide; the exact extent and appropriate containment and remediation measures are currently being investigated further. Details can be found in the official report from the Environment Agency Austria.

Elevated PFAS levels were identified during systematic investigations starting in 2021. The contamination itself is historically older and, according to current knowledge, has accumulated over decades in connection with fire-extinguishing drills conducted since the facility began operations in 1980. The focus of the detailed investigations was in 2024 and 2025.

It would be irresponsible to provide a blanket statement. Health-related questions must always be considered in the specific context of the contamination situation, usage, and expert assessment. This is precisely why these issues are being examined in collaboration with independent experts and the relevant authorities.

Between 2021 and 2025, soil, subsoil, groundwater, surface water, and selected locally produced food items were tested. The Environment Agency Austria classified the site as a contaminated site of priority class 1. It recommends a feasibility study, further hydrogeological investigations, and regular groundwater monitoring. The ELG is preparing these steps in coordination with the responsible authorities.

The PFAS contamination extends beyond the site premises. The Environment Agency Austria describes a pollutant plume more than 500 m long and approximately 500 m wide, affecting domestic and utility water wells, a municipal drinking water well that has since been taken off the grid, and PFAS deposits in the Kainach river. Legal maximum levels were exceeded in individual samples of chicken eggs, chicken liver, and fish; however, due to the limited number of samples, no general conclusions can be drawn from these results.

A municipal drinking water well has been taken off the grid due to PFAS contamination. According to the current status confirmed by the water association and the relevant authorities, the public drinking water supply is not sourced from this affected well. For the latest information on the quality of the public water supply, please contact the Lannach–St. Josef Water Association.

Whether your private well is affected depends on its location, the investigation results, and actual usage. Households that were classified as affected or potentially affected based on the information available at the time were specifically informed by the State of Styria in 2023. If you are unsure, please contact the ombudsman office.

The Environment Agency Austria has identified a PFAS plume more than 500 m long and approximately 500 m wide in the groundwater downstream of the Lannach tank farm. The exact lateral and vertical extent is still being investigated.

The groundwater in the area of the former site and downstream is contaminated with PFAS; its potential uses are restricted. Before using it for drinking, cooking, watering, livestock, or similar purposes, its suitability must be professionally assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the ombudsman office.

Private groundwater from the downstream area should not be used to fill pools without a prior individual assessment. Please contact the ombudsman office for clarification.

It should be professionally assessed on a case-by-case basis whether groundwater from the area of the contaminant plume is suitable for watering vegetables and whether vegetables watered with it can be consumed. Please contact the ombudsman office.

The suitability of groundwater from the area of the contaminant plume as drinking water for livestock should be professionally assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the ombudsman office.

In coordination with authorities and experts, the ELG is preparing a variant study as well as further hydrogeological investigations. The goal is to evaluate suitable measures for short-term containment of the spread and for long-term remediation. The next technical steps will be determined based on the investigation results. A final remediation method has not yet been decided.

It is currently not possible to provide a reliable estimate for the duration. It depends on the chosen remediation method, technical design, required permits, and proven effectiveness. As soon as a reliable schedule and verifiable milestones are available, the ELG will publish them and report regularly on progress.

An externally organized ombudsman office serves as the central point of contact for questions and concerns. It documents inquiries, coordinates technical clarifications, and ensures feedback is provided; it does not replace official authorities or legal or medical advice.