The County Administrative Board's investigations have uncovered PFAS contamination at multiple sites across Gotland, with most areas showing elevated levels that may require cleanup. Among the contaminated sites is Gutavallen in Visby, a key location identified in the sampling. Sampling was conducted at fire sites in Dalhem, Fårösund, Klintehamn, Visby, Fole kvarn, Gutavallen, and the landfill in Ljugarn, according to multiple reports.
The investigations have mainly focused on fire stations and locations where fires have occurred, because PFAS was previously used in firefighting foam. Stefan Persson, Head of the Environment and Water Unit at the County Administrative Board, said at a press conference that places where firefighting foam has been handled are known risk areas. The foam was used in training exercises and real fires, leading to soil and groundwater contamination over time.
The results are now being sent to affected property owners and to Region Gotland, which decides whether further action is needed. The County Administrative Board urges well owners nearby to test their drinking water, especially with analyses that include PFAS. New dietary advice has been issued for a fishing lake after testing soil, fish, and water, according to multiple reports. The advice is based on elevated PFAS levels found in fish from the lake, prompting recommendations to limit consumption.
In contrast to the widespread contamination, a previous fire site at Fören 1 in Visby showed no elevated levels, indicating that not all fire sites are affected. The specific PFAS levels detected at each site have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear what remediation actions are being considered. The fishing lake affected by the new dietary advice has not been named, and the specific dietary recommendations are unknown. Health risks to residents from the contaminated sites have not been confirmed.