Developer given ultimatum over toxic Brunswick site

HIGH levels of lead, benzene and other toxic chemicals have been detected at the site of a controversial apartment development proposed on the edge of Princes Park.

HIGH levels of lead, benzene and other toxic chemicals have been detected at the site of a controversial apartment development proposed on the edge of Princes Park.

The findings have been revealed in a clean-up notice issued by the Environment Protection Authority for the site between Park St and Brunswick Rd, Brunswick.

Developer JW Land wants to build a $250 million, five-building apartment complex on the 6490sq m site, which is currently occupied by the Best Western Princes Park Motor Inn as well as vacant land previously used by light industry.

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The site at 699 Park St.

The EPA notice found that lead levels 2½ times acceptable environment levels for human health.

And benzo (a) pyrene, a known cancer-causing compound, was at almost twice the recommended levels.

The report also revealed high levels of chemicals in the groundwater and EPA officers detected high levels of benzene in the soil vapour.

“(Officers) detected a weak to strong intermittent odour with petrochemical-type odour when standing at the entrance gate,’’ the report found. The developers now have to draw up a site management plan by August 15 and fully comply to clean the site by the end of next year.

EPA metro region manager Daniel Hunt said the clean-up notice was a legally enforceable order to the developer to organise independent audits. Failure to comply to the clean-up notice risks a $380,000 fine.

Nearby residents are concerned about overdevelopment of the site and impact on the park and community.

JW Land is proposing to build 280 apartments, 377 carpark spaces, shops and a childcare centre.

Kate Clarke and other local residents are unhyappy about the proposed plans. Picture: Sarah Matray

The proposed development.

In a statement, the developer said it was committed to the environmental remediation of 699 Park St in accordance with EPA requirements.

Most of the EPA testing was conducted on now cleared land previously occupied by industrial workshops facing Brunswick Rd.

Architect’s impression of the development.

“Soil sampling … has identified elevated concentrations of lead, zinc, antimony, cadmium, benzo (a) pyrene and carcinogenic olycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons above NEPM (National Environment Protection Measures) Health Investigation Levels,’’ the report said.

Neighbouring councils Melbourne and Yarra are among more than 220 objectors to the proposal.

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