Environment Protection Authority

 

Declaration of remediation site

Section 21 of the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997

Declaration Number 21008 / Area # 3151

 

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) declares the following land to be a remediation site under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (“the Act”):

1. Land to which this declaration applies ("the site")

The bed of the Alexandra Canal between Huntley Street, Alexandria and the junction of Alexandra Canal with the Cooks River at Mascot, being Lot 1 DP 532493, Lot 1 DP749404 and Lot 3 DP878489 within the local government areas of Botany Bay, Marrickville and South Sydney .

 

2. Nature of the substances causing the contamination (“the contaminants”):

Chlorinated hydrocarbons including organochlorine pesticides (chlordane, total DDT and dieldrin), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals in the bed sediments of the Canal.

 

3. Nature of harm that the substance may cause:

The EPA has considered the matters in s.9 of the Act and found that:

·    The contaminants would not be expected to occur naturally at this site or in the elevated concentrations found;

·    Environmental harm has occurred and there is a lack of benthic (sediment dwelling) biota at the site;

·    The concentration of PCBs present in fish taken from the canal exceed the maximum residue levels as set by the National Food Authority;

·    Concentrations of the contaminants in fish tissue and sediments greatly exceed applicable guidelines;

·    PCBs, organochlorine pesticides and lead are classifiable as human carcinogens;

·    PCBs and organochlorine pesticides have bioaccumulated in fish tissue and therefore there is a potential for tissue concentrations of these chemicals to increase as the chemical is transferred from one trophic level to the next (i.e. biomagnification);

·    Changes in the approved use of the land around the canal increases the risk of harm;

·    There are indications that off-site migration of the contaminants has occurred into the Cooks River. Further off site migration into Botany Bay is possible; and

·    Disturbance of the sediments through use of the canal would mobilise the contaminants and hence increase the risk of harm.

 

The EPA has found that the site is contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons and metals in such a way as to present a significant risk of harm to human health and the environment. There is a significant risk that:

·    Harm is being caused to the benthic biota that is in contact with the contaminants in the sediments;

·    Harm may be caused to humans from the increased risk associated with the consumption of contaminated fish; and

·    Disturbance of the sediments would mobilise the contaminants and hence increase the risk of harm. 

 

4. Further action under the Act

The making of this declaration does not prevent the carrying out of a voluntary remediation of the site and any person may submit a voluntary remediation proposal for the site to the EPA.  If the proposal satisfies the requirements of s.26 of the Act, the EPA may agree not to issue a remediation order to the person or persons bringing the proposal.

 

5. Submissions invited

The EPA advises that the public may make written submissions to the EPA on:

·    Whether the EPA should issue a remediation order in relation to the site or

·    Any other matter concerning the site.

 

 

Submissions should be made in writing to:

Director Contaminated Sites
Environment Protection Authority
PO Box A290
SYDNEY SOUTH  NSW  1232

or faxed to: 02 9995 5999

 

by not later than 22 September 2000.

 

 

(signed 25 August 2000)

 

CATHY DYER
Director Contaminated Sites
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY
(by Delegation)

 

Date: 25 August 2000

 

 

 

NOTE:

Remediation order may follow

If remediation of the site or part of the site is required, the EPA may issue a remediation order under s.23 of the Act.

Variation/Revocation

This declaration remains in force until it is otherwise varied or revoked.  A declaration may only be revoked when the EPA does not have reasonable grounds to believe that land is contaminated in such as way as to present a significant risk of harm (s.44 of the Act).

Information recorded by the EPA

S.58 of the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 requires the EPA to maintain a public record.  A copy of this remediation declaration will be included in the public record.

Information recorded by councils

S.59 of the Act requires the EPA to give a copy of this declaration to the relevant local council.  The council is then required to note on its planning certificate issued pursuant to s.149 (2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act that the land is currently within a declaration area.  The EPA is required to notify council as soon as practicable when the declaration is no longer in force and the notation on the s.149 certificate removed.