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Contaminated land at 917 Princes Highway, Springvale

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EPA has given approval for new clean up technology to be used on land contaminated with PCB’s at Springvale.

The introduction of this new technology to Victoria could have benefits for the management of other contaminated sites across the state.

EPA has placed requirements on the operation of the facility to ensure that the process is in accordance with Victoria’s environmental legislation and best practice standards. Stringent emission limits have been set requiring the treatment plant to operate safely and report performance to EPA.

Background

The site at 917 Princes Highway, Springvale is contaminated with PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) due to previous industrial activities.

Harvey Norman purchased the site with a view to developing it as a commercial retail outlet and distribution centre.

In August 2007, EPA approved the use of the technology at the site and issued a Pollution Abatement Notice (PAN) to set out the performance requirements for the technology.

EPA approved the use of a technology known as Direct Heated Fast Quenched Thermal Desorption (DFTD). While new to Victoria, it is proven technology currently used in the US and Europe.

A NSW-based company, Innova Soil Technology, will draw on broad international experience to carry out the treatment method on-site. Innova will transport its treatment plant from NSW to undertake the work.

Innova has managed similar projects over the past five years to treat hydrocarbon contaminated soil under approvals from the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.

The treatment process is designed to reduce PCB concentrations on-site to below 2mg/kg with emission limits established in the PAN requiring safe operation of the technology.

EPA has placed requirements on the operation of the treatment plant to ensure that the process is in accordance with Victoria’s environmental legislation and best practice standards. Stringent emission limits have been set requiring the treatment plant to operate safely and report performance to EPA.

EPA has required testing of the treatment plant to be audited by an independent environmental auditor.

The successful on-site treatment of contaminated soil could provide benefits for the management of other PCB contaminated sites across Victoria.

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