An Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) and Metropolitan Planning Authority-commissioned study of groundwater at Fishermans Bend has found some contamination above recommended health drinking water standards.
EPA Executive Director of Knowledge, Standards and Assessment Tim Eaton said that the results showed that some areas of shallow groundwater in Fishermans Bend were not suitable for drinking without treatment or testing.
“This study highlights the importance of testing and treating bore water before using it within the home or on gardens. Bore owners are responsible for making sure any bore water they use is fit for its intended use,” Mr Eaton said.
The study of shallow groundwater found elevated levels of:
- Nutrients, such as ammonia and nitrate;
- Salts, such as chloride and sulfate; and
- Metals, such as arsenic, iron, manganese and nickel.
“These contaminants could be naturally occurring or from another source, such as historical industry practices,” Mr Eaton said.
Mr Eaton said another round of groundwater testing would be undertaken to validate the findings.
“The initial testing only looked at shallow groundwater and not deeper aquifers or any possible vapour impacts,” Mr Eaton said.
Mr Eaton said the initial results of the testing did not replace the need for site-specific environmental audits required under Victoria’s environmental audit system in place since 1989.
“The audit system is triggered when there is a change of land use to a more sensitive use, as is the case with Fishermans Bend. Audits, which include groundwater investigation, are used by planning authorities, government agencies and private landowners to determine the condition of a piece of land and its suitability for use,” Mr Eaton said.
“Before a sensitive development occurs (residential use, child care centre, pre-school centre, primary school, education centre or informal outdoor recreation), a Section 53X environmental audit is required from an EPA-appointed environmental auditor.
“The baseline study recommends that planning authorities consider the need for environmental audits for sites, which are potential sources of pollution before redevelopment starts —irrespective of the proposed development.”
Mr Eaton said that EPA was considering a long-term strategy of identifying a groundwater quality restricted use zone (GQRUZ) across the affected area.
Background:
Fishermans Bend is Australia's largest urban renewal project covering about 455 hectares in Melbourne. It will consist of five precincts across two municipalities – the cities of Melbourne and Port Phillip and connect Melbourne's CBD to the bay. It is expected that by 2050 it will be home to about 80,000 residents and provide employment for up to 60,000 people.
The Victorian Government has announced details of the recast and improved Fishermans Bend precinct, putting people back into the decision making process while ensuring the area becomes a vibrant and sustainable community, supporting jobs and economic growth. A new Fishermans Bend Taskforce has been established comprising members from Places Victoria, the Metropolitan Planning Authority, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and the cities of Melbourne and Port Phillip. The taskforce will work together with the Ministerial Advisory Committee and the community to develop a blueprint for Fishermans Bend that will transform it into a place for everyone.
The taskforce is developing:
- Four detailed Neighbourhood Plans for Lorimer, Montague, Wirraway and Sandridge;
- A Fishermans Bend Employment Precinct Plan and overarching Infrastructure Plan for the entire Fishermans Bend area, including transport infrastructure, community infrastructure and open space, environment and water sensitive urban design responses and development contributions;
- A draft planning scheme amendment and any proposed implementation actions arising from the development of the plans; and
- A draft Community Engagement Plan.