Ministerial Statement

Site Contamination, Clovelly Park and Mitchell Park

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for the Public Sector) (14:03): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE: Following reports yesterday regarding contamination affecting some residential properties in Clovelly Park, I have sought advice from the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation to provide to the house. I understand the minister will provide a ministerial statement in another place, but he has advised me of the following. On the evening of 2 July 2014—

Mr GARDNER: Point of order: it is customary that these be circulated.

The SPEAKER: Yes, it is customary. Is there a printed statement?

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE: They will be here within minutes. I apologise for the delay. On the evening of 2 July 2014, residents of 40 properties in Clovelly Park were doorknocked by officers of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Housing SA and SA Health to provide an update regarding ongoing investigations into site contamination in the area.

These issues have been actively regulated by the EPA since October 2008, when site contamination was first identified. The contaminant detected at the affected residential area is trichloroethene (TCE), a colourless liquid chemical that is widely used in industrial applications, particularly for metal cleaning and degreasing, and is known to have been used in the Clovelly Park area.

TCE is a volatile chemical, meaning it readily evaporates and forms vapour, and it is now known to last in the environment for hundreds of years. It is suspected that these substances entered the groundwater from previous landowners through historical practices involving waste handling, storage and disposal. The World Health Organization and US EPA recommend further investigation at concentration levels of above two micrograms per cubic metre.

The TCE at the levels seen here does not indicate an immediate health risk to residents. However, in line with international standards, it is prudent to investigate concentration levels above two micrograms per cubic metre to mitigate or rule out any risk of long-term exposure. The EPA has required Monroe to effectively engage with residents in a timely manner. The EPA site contamination hotline has been provided on all written correspondence by Monroe to the residents.

In September 2012, a letter was sent to approximately 43 residents summarising the results of soil vapour and groundwater sampling and advising of the need for indoor air testing at selected residential properties. In December 2012, correspondence advising of an initial indoor air sampling event was sent to seven Housing SA properties, requesting samples be obtained from inside the properties, in addition to a letter to the wider community (approximately 43 residents).

In January 2013, advice was provided to the seven Housing SA properties and an additional 43 residents advising of the results of the first round of indoor air sampling and that a follow-up round was required. In April 2013, Monroe, URS Australia (the site contamination consultant), Housing SA and the EPA visited residents to advise of indoor air and soil vapour sampling. During late 2013, URS Australia undertook further indoor air and soil vapour sampling as part of the ongoing assessment work being undertaken within the residential area at Clovelly Park.

In October 2013, further letters were sent to approximately six targeted residents, in addition to a letter to approximately 43 residential properties, advising that further work was required involving indoor air testing. In December 2013, residents were advised by Monroe and URS Australia via a letter drop and direct discussion that the results of the indoor air sampling would be used to prepare a detailed site investigation report and committed to ongoing communication with the residents this year.

On 16 May 2014, the draft Vapour Intrusion Risk Assessment (VIRA) report was provided to the EPA, SA Health and Housing SA by consultants engaged by Monroe which indicated levels of TCE were higher than previously measured. After the draft VIRA report had been received on 16 May 2014, it was reviewed by an independent accredited auditor engaged by the EPA in accordance with best practice. In addition, the report was reviewed by the EPA and SA Health.

On 6 June 2014, a meeting was held between executives of SA Health, EPA, Housing SA and Renewal SA to discuss the VIRA report. In response to the assessment of the draft report, an interagency task force has been established, including representatives from the EPA, SA Health and Housing SA, to coordinate the government's response. On 25 June 2014, this task force proposed to government that, as a precautionary measure, residents of 31 properties be relocated over a period of six months while further investigation work is carried out. The task force proposed communication and engagement be undertaken in a coordinated and orderly fashion on 3 July 2014.

As a result of statements made in parliament on 2 July 2014, this communication and engagement was brought forward to ensure residents were fully informed of the situation by experts who could take them through the matter in detail and answer any immediate questions they may have. Housing SA has implemented a relocation plan for residents of 23 properties that will take place over a six-month period, commencing in the coming weeks.

Discussions have commenced with residents of two private properties in the investigation area to seek their input on a range of options for relocation or vapour intrusion mitigation. Further investigations are to be undertaken to determine the nature and extent of site contamination in the Clovelly Park area, and remediation options will also be investigated.

When a further investigation area has been identified, communication with residents in a wider area will occur to advise them of work being undertaken and to provide them with information on the nature of the investigation. Residents will also be invited to attend community open-house sessions, where they will have the opportunity to ask questions with EPA and SA Health specialists on the matter.

I advise that Monroe has been cooperating fully with the EPA and undertaking work and liaising with the residents, as required. The EPA will provide monthly updates to residents within the investigation area, and I encourage anyone seeking further information to contact the EPA on the hotline number 1800 770 174.