Contaminated Site Remediation in Alexandria

Overview

A former industrial site in Alexandria, earmarked as a commercial kitchen, required urgent remediation in 2022 due to soil contamination from decades of machinery manufacturing. Testing revealed elevated levels of lead, arsenic, and hydrocarbons, posing risks to construction workers and future site users and triggering strict oversight from EPA NSW.

The Challenge

• Soil Contamination: Elevated levels of hazardous substances, including lead, arsenic, and hydrocarbons.
• Regulatory Compliance: Strict oversight from EPA NSW requiring meticulous remediation efforts.
• Site Constraints: Limited space and proximity to neighbouring businesses.

Our Approach

BHM Geotechnical employed a structured, multi-phased strategy to address these challenges:

1. High-Resolution Soil Sampling

Conducted comprehensive sampling to delineate contamination zones.

2. Phased Remediation

Implemented a targeted soil stockpiling approach to separate contaminated soil from clean ENM/VENM soil.

3. Containment Solutions

Installed a compacted clay liner, compliant with AS 2870 standards, to encapsulate contaminants and prevent groundwater leaching.

The Solution

The BHM team efficiently managed the contaminated soil by segregating and safely disposing of it at licensed facilities.

1. Soil Management

Heavily contaminated soil was segregated and safely disposed of at licensed facilities.

2. Containment Barrier

Constructed a secure clay liner to contain residual contaminants.

3. Operational Efficiency

Utilised motorised wheelbarrows and noise-dampened excavation equipment to minimise site disruption.

Results and Impact

• EPA Compliance: Achieved EPA NSW clearance, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Site Transformation: Successfully converted a contaminated industrial site into a fully operational commercial kitchen.
• Community Benefits: Minimized environmental impact and enhanced local infrastructure.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive remediation approach demonstrates our expertise in managing contaminated sites under stringent regulations. By applying sustainable and efficient methods, we transformed a hazardous industrial space into a valuable commercial property.