what’shappening at raaf base williams, point cook? · 2015-06-26 · site will resume being used...
TRANSCRIPT
Frequently asked questions:
The Department of Defence (Defence) is remediating contamination associated with the former Fire Training Area (FTA Site) at RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook. As part of Defence’s commitment to updating the community on the progress of remediation works being undertaken at the FTA Site a number of frequently asked questions and answers have been provided below for this stage of the project.
For additional information about the project, including previous updates and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the project website or contact project representatives via details provided on the next page.
Since the commissioning of the plant and the commencement of full scale treatment earlier this year, over 50% of impacted soils associated with historical fire fighting activities have been successfully treated.
The technology being used at the FTA Site which exposes pre-treated soils to high temperatures which breaks down contamination through a process known as ‘Direct Thermal Desorption’ is increasing in its use within Australia, however it is still considered an advanced remediation technology by the Environment Industry. Results to date have demonstrated that the technology is remediating the contamination effectively.
Following treatment the soils are validated through laboratory analysis to confirm that the contamination has been reduced to acceptable levels for the FTA Site. These approved soils are then placed back within the excavated areas and will be revegetated with suitable native species following the completion of the treatment process.
Defence is ensuring that the treatment process complies with its commitments to operate within Commonwealth and State regulatory and legislative requirements. This includes continuous environmental monitoring for impacts associated with the operation and remediation including dust, odour, noise and emissions. This ongoing monitoring is used to assess the effectiveness of the remediation works and safeguard the surrounding community and environment.
What progress has been made in relation to the remediation since the last update?
Has the technology demonstrated to be suitable to address contamination issues at the FTA Site?
What happens to the soil following treatment?
Is appropriate environmental monitoring being
undertaken through the treatment process?
When will the remediation project conclude?
What happens to the treatment plant and the Site following the completion of the remediation?
What further works will be required to assess the effectiveness of the remediation?
How long are these further monitoring works
required for?
Is Defence sharing the experiences from the project with the Environment Industry?
What additional detail will be provided to the community and stakeholders?
Where can I find out more?
Currently it is anticipated that the treatment of soils will be completed later this year, with revegetation and demobilising of plant and associated infrastructure to occur in early 2015. Further monitoring post the conclusion of the remediation works will still be required to continue to assess the effectiveness of the remediation.
Following the completion of the remediation works the treatment plant and all associated equipment and infrastructure will be removed from the Site and the FTA Site will resume being used by Defence for training purposes.
Further groundwater monitoring will be undertaken post the remediation works concluding to assess the effectiveness of the remediation. This will involve sampling and monitoring at a network of key groundwater monitoring wells to effectively demonstrate that the hydraulic system has stabilised and contamination concentrations continue to decrease with reduce risk to the environment.
Groundwater monitoring works will be undertaken at set frequencies for a minimum of 12 months following the conclusion of the remediation. Results will be reviewed in context of project objectives and regulatory compliance prior to assessing the need to reduce or continue with further groundwater monitoring.
Defence has been pleased to facilitate a number of industry and community visits to showcase the technology and highlight its effectiveness at treating contaminated material at the FTA Site. Industry and community groups that have visited the FTA Site to observe the technology include the Australian Contaminated Land Consultants Association (ACLCA), Melbourne Grammar School, representatives of the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and various contaminated land practitioners. Defence view this as an opportunity to support the Environment Industry and promote alternate solutions which will ensure better outcomes on future Defence projects.
Following the completion of the remediation works, Defence will arrange a final briefing for the community and project stakeholders within the first half of 2015. Further detail will be provided on this in coming months.
If you have questions or comments regarding the work Defence is undertaking at the Base please contact project representatives via the following methods:
What’s Happening At RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook?
Frequently asked questions:
The Department of Defence (Defence) is remediating contamination associated with the former Fire Training Area (FTA Site) at RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook. As part of Defence’s commitment to updating the community on the progress of remediation works being undertaken at the FTA Site a number of frequently asked questions and answers have been provided below for this stage of the project.
For additional information about the project, including previous updates and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the project website or contact project representatives via details provided on the next page.
Since the commissioning of the plant and the commencement of full scale treatment earlier this year, over 50% of impacted soils associated with historical fire fighting activities have been successfully treated.
The technology being used at the FTA Site which exposes pre-treated soils to high temperatures which breaks down contamination through a process known as ‘Direct Thermal Desorption’ is increasing in its use within Australia, however it is still considered an advanced remediation technology by the Environment Industry. Results to date have demonstrated that the technology is remediating the contamination effectively.
Following treatment the soils are validated through laboratory analysis to confirm that the contamination has been reduced to acceptable levels for the FTA Site. These approved soils are then placed back within the excavated areas and will be revegetated with suitable native species following the completion of the treatment process.
Defence is ensuring that the treatment process complies with its commitments to operate within Commonwealth and State regulatory and legislative requirements. This includes continuous environmental monitoring for impacts associated with the operation and remediation including dust, odour, noise and emissions. This ongoing monitoring is used to assess the effectiveness of the remediation works and safeguard the surrounding community and environment.
What progress has been made in relation to the remediation since the last update?
Has the technology demonstrated to be suitable to address contamination issues at the FTA Site?
What happens to the soil following treatment?
Is appropriate environmental monitoring being
undertaken through the treatment process?
When will the remediation project conclude?
What happens to the treatment plant and the Site following the completion of the remediation?
What further works will be required to assess the effectiveness of the remediation?
How long are these further monitoring works
required for?
Is Defence sharing the experiences from the project with the Environment Industry?
What additional detail will be provided to the community and stakeholders?
Where can I find out more?
Currently it is anticipated that the treatment of soils will be completed later this year, with revegetation and demobilising of plant and associated infrastructure to occur in early 2015. Further monitoring post the conclusion of the remediation works will still be required to continue to assess the effectiveness of the remediation.
Following the completion of the remediation works the treatment plant and all associated equipment and infrastructure will be removed from the Site and the FTA Site will resume being used by Defence for training purposes.
Further groundwater monitoring will be undertaken post the remediation works concluding to assess the effectiveness of the remediation. This will involve sampling and monitoring at a network of key groundwater monitoring wells to effectively demonstrate that the hydraulic system has stabilised and contamination concentrations continue to decrease with reduce risk to the environment.
Groundwater monitoring works will be undertaken at set frequencies for a minimum of 12 months following the conclusion of the remediation. Results will be reviewed in context of project objectives and regulatory compliance prior to assessing the need to reduce or continue with further groundwater monitoring.
Defence has been pleased to facilitate a number of industry and community visits to showcase the technology and highlight its effectiveness at treating contaminated material at the FTA Site. Industry and community groups that have visited the FTA Site to observe the technology include the Australian Contaminated Land Consultants Association (ACLCA), Melbourne Grammar School, representatives of the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and various contaminated land practitioners. Defence view this as an opportunity to support the Environment Industry and promote alternate solutions which will ensure better outcomes on future Defence projects.
Following the completion of the remediation works, Defence will arrange a final briefing for the community and project stakeholders within the first half of 2015. Further detail will be provided on this in coming months.
If you have questions or comments regarding the work Defence is undertaking at the Base please contact project representatives via the following methods:
Community hotline: 1800 024 072
www.defence.gov.au/id/pointcook/
Point Cook Remediation ProjectAECOM, Level 10, 8 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 ATTN: Gavin Scherer
For media enquiries please contact Defence Media Operations on (02) 6127 1999 or [email protected]