Unley investigation zone expanded as EPA assesses extent of contaminated groundwater

New EPA investigations in Unley will determine the extent of the groundwater contamination and soil vapour contamination identified last year

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THE boundaries of an Unley groundwater and soil vapour contamination zone have been expanded.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has written to residents in the assessment area — newly bounded by Hughes St, King William Rd, Austell St and Unley Rd — advising of the second stage of work due to begin next week.

This further work has been extended beyond the initial environmental assessment area and will determine the extent of the groundwater contamination and soil vapour contamination further to the east and west of the original zone.

Historical land use in the assessment area is believed to have included refrigeration manufacturing, furniture manufacturing, cabinet making, boot making and drapery.

The led the EPA to assess whether historically used chemicals, such as trichloroethene were entering residential indoor air.

Residents were advised in July 2017 that all properties in the Unley assessment area were safe from soil vapour intrusion.

EPA Manager Site Contamination Andrew Pruszinski says the initial testing identified soil vapour contamination has originated from the contaminated groundwater.

He said further work was needed to determine the extent of the contamination with results expected in October.

The EPA reminds all residents that groundwater (bore water) in this area is contaminated and should not be used for any purpose.

Mains water and water from rainwater tanks are not affected by this issue. Home grown fruit and vegetables are safe to consume, provided they are not watered with contaminated bore water.