New Fishing Ban in Oufeinaz, Vaud: Trout Contaminated with PFAS Compounds

Published9. September 2025, 10:13

Vaud: PFAS: Fishing prohibited in Ouffemaz

Trouts contaminated by toxic substances have led the canton to temporarily ban fishing in a tributary of the venoge.

The canton of Vaud prohibits fishing, until further notice, in Offemaz, an tributary of the venoge (illustration photo).

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The discovery of trout contaminated by PFAS prompted the Vaud authorities to prohibit fishing in Ouffemaz, on approximately 600m between the Civil Protection site (PCI) of Gollion and the venoge. The ban came into force this Tuesday, and will remain valid until further notice.

Analyzes carried out in early 2025 had already highlighted Pollution downstream of the PCI site. The anti-fire foam used since the 1980s and withdrawn in 2011 are at the origin of these PFAS, known for their persistence in the environment. New samples taken in June confirmed the presence of worrying concentrations in all trout analyzed (21 specimens), far beyond the tolerated limit.

“Drinking water presents no risk”

“This pollution affects groundwater in the immediate vicinity of the site, the sediments and the surface water of L’Ouffemaz downstream, which are not used for consumption. Drinking water consumption therefore presents no risk, ”reassures the canton, however. As for venoge, the risk of fishing in contaminated fish is considered to be very low, although some trout could theoretically move there. No recommendation was thus issued for this emblematic river of the canton.

Finally, the PCI renovation site remains suspended, and investigations are carried out by the Directorate General of Buildings and Heritage (DGIP) and the Directorate General of the Environment (DGE) to determine the magnitude of pollution and define any sanitation measures. The canton of Vaud has already adopted in 2024 a decree aimed at implementing a strategy to combat PFAS. Other analysis campaigns are planned, in order to assess the presence of these substances in rivers Vaudoises.

What are the potential long-term health risks associated with consuming trout from Lake Oufeinaz with detected PFAS levels?

Understanding the PFAS Contamination in Lake Oufeinaz

A new fishing ban has been implemented in Oufeinaz, Vaud, Switzerland, due to concerning levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in local trout populations. this ban, announced by the Vaud cantonal authorities, aims to protect public health by preventing consumption of potentially contaminated fish. The situation highlights a growing global concern regarding PFAS contamination in freshwater ecosystems and its impact on the food chain.

What are PFAS and Why are They Harmful?

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment. They’ve been used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products since the 1940s, including:

Firefighting foam: A major source of PFAS contamination, especially near airports and military bases.

Non-stick cookware: Teflon and similar coatings contain PFAS.

Waterproof clothing & materials: Used to repel water and stains.

Food packaging: Some food containers and wrappers utilize PFAS.

industrial applications: Used in manufacturing processes.

These chemicals accumulate in the environment and in living organisms, including fish. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a variety of health problems, including:

Immune system suppression

increased cholesterol levels

Thyroid disorders

Certain types of cancer

Developmental effects in children

The Situation in Oufeinaz: Trout and PFAS Levels

Recent testing conducted by the Vaud cantonal authorities revealed elevated levels of PFAS in trout caught in Lake Oufeinaz. While specific concentrations haven’t been publicly disclosed, they exceeded the safety thresholds established by Swiss regulations for human consumption. This prompted the immediate implementation of the fishing ban to prevent residents and visitors from consuming contaminated trout.

The source of the PFAS contamination in Lake Oufeinaz is currently under examination.Potential sources being examined include:

Runoff from agricultural land: PFAS can be present in fertilizers and pesticides.

Industrial discharge: Historical or current industrial activities in the region.

Wastewater treatment plants: While treatment plants can remove some PFAS, they aren’t always fully effective.

Atmospheric deposition: PFAS can travel long distances through the air and deposit into waterways.

Impact on Local Anglers and the Economy

The fishing ban considerably impacts local anglers who rely on Lake Oufeinaz for recreational fishing. It also affects businesses that benefit from angling tourism, such as bait shops and local restaurants. the Vaud authorities are working to assess the economic impact and provide support to affected communities.The long-term consequences depend on the duration of the ban and the success of remediation efforts.

What Does this Mean for Fish Consumption in Switzerland?

the Oufeinaz situation isn’t isolated. PFAS contamination is a growing concern in freshwater ecosystems across switzerland and globally. Several other Swiss lakes and rivers have shown detectable levels of PFAS in fish.

Here’s what you should know about fish consumption and PFAS:

Predatory fish: Larger, predatory fish like trout, pike, and perch tend to accumulate higher levels of PFAS due to biomagnification – the process where toxins become more concentrated as they move up the food chain.

Regional variations: PFAS levels vary significantly depending on location and the proximity to potential sources of contamination.

Consumption guidelines: Swiss authorities are developing more specific consumption guidelines for fish from different regions, taking PFAS levels into account. Currently, general advice is to limit consumption of large predatory fish from potentially contaminated waters.

High-risk groups: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children are considered particularly vulnerable to the effects of PFAS and should be especially cautious about fish consumption.

What is Being Done to Address PFAS Contamination?

Several steps are being taken to address PFAS contamination in Switzerland and beyond:

Monitoring programs: Increased monitoring of PFAS levels in water, fish, and other environmental samples.

Source identification: Investigating and identifying the sources of PFAS contamination.

Remediation technologies: Developing and implementing technologies to remove PFAS from contaminated water and soil. These include activated carbon filtration, ion exchange resins, and innovative destruction methods.

Regulation and legislation: Strengthening regulations on the use and discharge of PFAS.

Research: Ongoing research to better understand the health effects of PFAS and develop effective remediation strategies.

European Union Restrictions: The EU is proposing stricter regulations on PFAS,