18 Dec 2007 - Coramba Remediation Work Trial To Begin

Work is set to begin in mid January on the first phase of the clean up of groundwater contamination at Coramba.

The initial phase will see the installation of a Pilot Trial Air Sparge/Soil Vapour Extraction System (SVE) on land at the lower portion of Martin Street.  The pilot-scale installation will assist in designing the full-scale Air Sparge and SVE system, which requires Project Approval from the NSW Department of Planning.

The full scale Air Sparge and Soil Vapour Extraction System will act as a 'curtain' to intercept the migration of the plume of contaminated groundwater towards the river.

The Air Sparge system uses compressed air to help remove contamination from polluted soil and groundwater below the water table. When air is pumped underground through the contaminated material and groundwater, the chemicals evaporate into the passing air, which makes them easier to remove.

The Soil Vapour Extraction System is a vacuum system, which then extracts the air containing the vapours. This air is then passed through filters to remove any contaminants.

A programme of air, water and groundwater monitoring will also begin in January as part of the remediation work.

The preliminary timetable for the remediation project is:

• Phase 1: Pilot trial testing program - January to March 2008
• Phase 2: Base monitoring: air, water & groundwater - continuing throughout 2008
• Phase 3: Full scale Air Sparge and SVE installation - second half 2008, subject to receiving Project Approval from the NSW Department of Planning
• Phase 4: Operation of the full scale Air Sparge and SVE - 2 to 3 years from 2008

Information on the Pilot Trial and how it will operate will be sent to the community closer to the start of work. An information session will also be held in Coramba in January with representatives of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, NSW Health, Coffs Harbour City Council and the consultants carrying out the remediation work.

The clean-up is being funded by the NSW Environmental Trust. The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) has overall statutory responsibility for regulation of the clean-up. Coffs Harbour City Council is coordinating the on-ground works.