The EPA last month received a preliminary report consolidating the various stages of ongoing work in the Beverley assessment area, to identify the presence of trichloroethene (TCE) on private and commercial properties.
The results were based on scientific modelling of accumulated data from outdoor soil tests that have taken place during the year.
EPA Director Science, Assessment and Planning, Peter Dolan said the data was analysed through a conservative modelling process that is designed to over-predict potential TCE levels, to ensure that no properties are missed.
The most recent results identified properties in the Beverley area that will require more attention.
“We are now in the process of personally visiting approximately 40 properties to advise residents that individual assessments will be required, including some indoor sampling to determine with greater accuracy the air quality inside these homes,” he said.
“Once we’ve gained a better understanding of the air quality in these homes we will be able to work out appropriate solutions to reduce TCE vapour levels,” Mr Dolan said.
In April, the EPA began an environmental assessment program in the Beverley area and surrounding suburbs to pinpoint the nature and extent of TCE contamination while also attempting to identify its source to determine whether liability can be attributed to a polluter.
“There have been a number of companies that operated in the Beverley industrial precinct over a long period of time, although most are now no longer there, so it is difficult to determine who has contributed to the groundwater contamination and to what extent,” Mr Dolan said.
Environmental and human health risk assessment reports from the Beverley assessment area are available on the EPA website.