Update on Regulation of Orica Botany Groundwater Clean Up Project. Groundwater Community Liaison Committee 18 September 2012

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1 Update on Regulation of Orica Botany Groundwater Clean Up Project Groundwater Community Liaison Committee 18 September 2012 Niall Johnston Contaminated Sites Stuart Clark Sydney Industry 1

2 Overview of Presentation Contaminated Sites - Groundwater Clean up Project - Former Chlor Alkali Plant Sydney Industry - Update on Environment Protection Licence Air Emissions Inventory Botany 2

3 Groundwater Clean up Project The Proposed Groundwater And Surface Water Monitoring Program for the Groundwater Treatment Plant for was received by the EPA in July An overview of the proposed changes to the program was outlined by Orica at the June CLC meeting. The EPA met with Orica and NICTA (National Information and Communications Technology Australia) in August NICTA is Australia s leading ICT R&D organisation and their expertise may be of value in reviewing the current groundwater and surface water monitoring program at Botany, with a view to ensuring it remains effective and efficient. 3

4 Groundwater Clean up Project The EPA is currently considering the revised groundwater and surface water monitoring program, (if any recommendations follow the NICTA review, these will be taken into consideration). A report on Assessment of Hydraulic Containment was submitted to the EPA in August This report provides an assessment of the performance of the groundwater extraction system in accordance with USEPA Guidance. The EPA is currently reviewing this report. 4

5 Groundwater Clean up Project June 2012 Quarterly Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring Report: - Concentrations of the key contaminants in surface water at Penrhyn Estuary remain below ANZECC. - Still questions regarding hydraulic containment at the eastern end of the Secondary Containment Area for the intermediate aquifer, although replacement and rehabilitation of several wells in this area appears to be improving performance. 5

6 Former Chlor Alkali Plant A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) for Block G and a separate RAP for Blocks M and A submitted by Orica to the EPA on 16 th July 2012 in accordance with Direction 5 of the Management Order. Each RAP was accompanied by a Site Audit Statement and Site Audit Report submitted by the accredited Site Auditor on 16 th July 2012, also in accordance with the requirements set out in Direction 5 of the Management Order. Accredited Site Auditor concludes that the RAPs will meet the declared objectives, subject to review of the detailed design for Block G. 6

7 Former Chlor Alkali Plant EPA provided comments to Orica on the RAPs in a letter dated 31 st July 2012, which included: - EPA generally satisfied with the framework set out in the RAPs, but awaiting the detailed plans and documentation to support the RAPs. - Concern was raised by the EPA over the lack of detail regarding the removal of liquid mercury from Block G. - EPA requires sufficient time to be scheduled to allow consultation on the supporting documentation. 7

8 Former Chlor Alkali Plant EPA Summary of the RAPs placed on the Botany Area Community Information Group webpage and feedback welcomed. Response from Orica on EPA comments on RAPs received 12 th September Orica provided more detail on removal of the liquid mercury from Block G, together with a draft project timeline. Orica to prepare a Development Application (DA) for the Block G remediation works the DA process will provide an extra opportunity for further community consultation. 8

9 Former Chlor Alkali Plant Section 44 Notice to amend the Figure in the Management Order issued to Orica on 19 th July To redefine the remedial area for Blocks M and A in more detail. The Directions set out in the Management Order are in the main complete and the EPA is now considering the regulatory instrument to manage the next stages of this project. The EPA will consider community views when finalising its regulatory position and reviewing the proposed works. 9

10 Environment Protection Licence 2148 No Breaches No Non-Compliance No Incidents Annual Return Due This Month (Includes Audit Report) 10

11 Environment Protection Licence 2148 Air Monitoring Groundwater Treatment Plant Former Chlor Alkali Plant Current Operations Monitoring data available (Website) 11

12 Air Emissions Inventory Botany Presentation on emissions in Botany / Randwick Local Government Areas All sources, key air pollutants 12

13 Ambient Air Monitoring Randwick / Botany 13

14 Your feedback on air emissions Most appropriate committee (Botany Industrial Park CCC) Key sources of air pollution, motor vehicles, trucks, airport, ports, fuel terminals, Orica and Qenos What pollutants do you want to know about, mercury, particles, benzene Ambient air monitoring data 14

15 Air Emissions Inventory Feedback & EPA Botany Area Community Information Group Stuart Clark Call me: me: 15