The EPA is finalising indoor vapour testing of up to 17 properties at Thebarton after preliminary soil vapour results showed high concentrations of trichloroethene (TCE) in the area.
EPA’s Acting Chief Executive Peter Dolan said the indoor vapour testing was undertaken to better understand the potential risk to residents.
“We contacted the 17 impacted property owners and residents to seek permission to test indoor air and subflooring.
“Of those impacted, we received permission to test eight properties. Three of these properties measured no TCE in indoor air and are considered safe. Five of the properties measured are within the ‘Intervention’ category of the indoor air level response range.
“Property owners for a further six properties have since provided permission for testing and this is underway.
“The EPA and Renewal SA are now working with these residents to design solutions that will reduce the TCE vapour to safe levels,” Mr Dolan said.
The initial soil vapour testing carried out between May and August 2017 indicated high concentrations of TCE at 1m below ground level in the vicinity of a small number of properties, including commercial sites, within the assessment area boundary.
The EPA has been liaising with residents throughout the process.
Environmental assessment activities in the area are part of a prioritised program to investigate orphan sites where the EPA has enough information about historical contamination to call for assessments to determine if there is a potential health risk.