Site Contamination, Hendon Area

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:24): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Today the EPA letterbox dropped approximately 3,000 properties in the Hendon Environment Protection Authority—

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: Did you seek leave?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: I did, if you were paying attention. The EPA letterbox dropped approximately 3,000 properties in the Hendon Environment Protection Authority assessment area to update the community in relation to the findings of the latest site contamination assessment works. This is the fifth time that residents have received letters to update them on the investigation of groundwater contamination in Hendon.

Investigations have been carried out by the EPA around the Hendon industrial area since 2012. In this situation, where the polluter has not yet been identified, the EPA undertakes the works. The latest report on testing reaffirms the existence of perchloroethene, trichloroethene and dichloroethene in groundwater and soil vapour. TCE and PCE are common industrial solvents and were widely used as dry cleaning fluids, degreasers and metal cleaners. DCE is generally present as a result of degradation of TCE and PCE, I am advised.

These chemicals are most likely associated with historical activities in the Hendon industrial area, dating back to when the disposal practices for such chemicals were less regulated than they are today. The latest report indicates the indoor vapour concentration levels are below the US EPA TCE investigation level of two micrograms per cubic metre.

Findings to date indicate the level of contamination does not pose a risk to residents in the area. As seasonal changes can affect the results, the EPA will undertake additional testing in order to provide further assurance for the community. The EPA is engaging with residents, landowners and the general community in the Hendon, Albert Park, Seaton and Royal Park area who would like to know more about the results of the recent investigations. Community information sessions will be held at the Hendon Primary School hall, located at Cedar Avenue, Royal Park, at the following times: Tuesday 12 August, 6 to 8.30pm; Wednesday 13 August, 3.30 to 8.30pm; Saturday 16 August, 9am to 12 noon.

At the information sessions, the community will have the opportunity to undertake one-on-one discussions to learn more about the findings of the assessment works carried out for the EPA. All those living and working in the area are invited to register to speak with staff directly about the assessment and the results at one of those appointment times. The EPA is also operating a hotline for residents who want more information, and they can contact the EPA on 1800 729 175, weekdays between 8am and 8pm.

In the meantime, the EPA reaffirms earlier advice to the local community that groundwater should not be used for any purpose until further notice. Tap water and rainwater tank contents are not affected by the contamination, we are advised. The government will continue to engage with the local community to keep them informed of the latest findings and any subsequent assessment works.