Environment Protection Authority Victoria’s (EPA) investigation into lead contamination at the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve is continuing to ensure it is safe for the community to resume sporting activities at the site.
The site was recently closed to the community after lead from a neighbouring gun club was detected in soil samples at the eastern boundary of the oval.
EPA North East Manager Clare Kiely said further samples had been taken to determine how far the lead contamination had spread across the oval and that the focus of testing would now look at groundwater beneath the surface.
“While some testing of water bores and rain tanks at the adjacent gun club and hotel have come back clear of lead, as a precaution, a number of bores within a one kilometre radius will now be tested,” Ms Kiely said.
“This testing will be conducted by consultants and will involve EPA officers and others having to enter residential properties to undertake.”
Ms Kiely said she had been informed that some residents in the area had been known to use groundwater drawn from water bores for drinking and for pets.
“Goulburn Murray Water has told EPA bore water is not treated for human consumption and that advice should certainly be heeded while EPA’s investigations into lead contamination at the site are ongoing.”
Ms Kiely said the results of groundwater tests were expected next week.
EPA urges members of the public to continue reporting suspected pollution to the EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at
www.epa.vic.gov.au