EPA SAYS NEW TECHNOLOGY COULD CHANGE CONTAMINATED SITE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

13 August 2007

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

EPA executive director regional services, Bruce Dawson, said the introduction of this new technology to Victoria could have benefits for the management of other contaminated sites.

“This technology presents a solution for PCB contaminated soil at this site and in addition, on-site treatment means sending less contaminated soil to landfill. Whilst new to Victoria this is well proven technology used in the US and Europe,” said Mr Dawson.

“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,” said Mr Dawson.

The land at 917 Princess Highway, Springvale is contaminated with PCBs due to previous industrial activities.

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

“An environmental audit of the site included a detailed site assessment, a review of treatment and land remediation options, and the development of an Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) to identify the most effective way of cleaning up the site,” said Mr Dawson.

Various technologies were considered for the clean up. EPA has now approved a technological treatment called direct heated thermal desorption.

A NSW-based company called Innova Soil Technology will draw on broad international experience to carry out the treatment method on-site using its treatment plant to be transported from NSW.

Innova has operated several similar projects over the past five years treating various types of hydrocarbon contaminated soil under approvals from the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.

Treatment work is due to commence in 2008 and is expected to be completed within six months.