Change size

Print

Ararat Gasworks Site, Grano Street Ararat -   Remediation Action Plan

SPI Networks (Gas) Pty Ltd (SPI) owns a number of old gasworks sites throughout Victoria. SPI have been undertaking a clean-up program for these sites, which were contaminated through the operations of the former Gas and Fuel Corporation operations. The clean up will reduce risks to the environment and enable land to be reused for higher value purposes.

SPI has proposed to EPA and the community that the site be remediated via an onsite bioremediation treatment process. The process will include the use of a tent for part of the process to minimize the risk of odour or dust from the premises. SPI have documented the proposal in the form of a Remediation Action Plan (RAP).

EPA required SPI to have the RAP independently audited by a Statutory Environmental Auditor to ensure that the clean up process will not result in detrimental impacts on the environment. The audit was provided to EPA in January 2007 and has been reviewed by EPA, and subject to discussion at a community meeting in March. EPA have required SPI to provide further information to clarify some aspects of the RAP based on comments from the community and EPA’s internal experts.

On the 1 May 2007, EPA approved the proposal by SPI to bioremediate the soils at the Grano St Premises. The approval is in the form  of a Pollution Abatement Notice (PAN). The PAN sets the performance expectations that SPI must meet during the remediation process, and that remediation must be conducted in accordance with the RAP.

In approving SPI’s proposal for bioremediation, EPA reviewed the RAP (LINK TO RAP), the independent audit of the RAP (LINK TO RAP AUDIT), the recommendations of the auditor, and EPA ‘s internal expertise.

During the bioremediation process, environmental monitoring will take place regularly by SPI through its contractors EESI as well as independent testing and monitoring by EPA. With the assistance of the local press and community, information will be disseminated into the broader township, outlining progress and results from monitoring.

EPA acknowledges the concern remaining in the community regarding the SPI proposal to bioremediate the soil at the Grano St site. With respect to other management options, EPA has assessed the likely impact on the environment from the proposal and the additional costs that other options may incur. The advice provided to EPA is that the proposal to use a tent for the primary remediation should minimize the risk of any offensive odours and dust from the premises. EPA has also reviewed SPI’s recent environmental performance during the removal of contaminated soil at the former Castlemaine gasworks, which did not result in detriment to the environment.

EPA further acknowledges the length of time it has taken to get to a decision point on this project, understands the community’s frustration in the delay, and thanks the community for the input and patience throughout the process.

During the works community will be invited to meet with EPA staff to discuss their concerns, and regular updates will be posted in the Ararat Advertiser and in information updates bulletins available in the town.

EPA will provide information updates to the community through media releases and the website.

Top