Somerton Park
The EPA will continue environmental assessment in Somerton Park in January 2025.
The EPA started work in June 2023 to assess chemicals found in the groundwater and soil vapour, mainly tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE). The Stage 1 assessment was conducted to understand if there was a risk that contaminated groundwater or soil vapour was impacting nearby properties.
In July 2024, the EPA completed the Stage 2 assessment in an expanded area of Somerton Park to better understand potential health risks, particularly from vapour intrusion, and determine the extent of groundwater contamination.
Soil conditions from the Stage 1 and 2 assessments suggest no unacceptable risks to human health from vapour intrusion, but that groundwater is contaminated and should not be used.
Stage 3 of the EPA’s assessment will start in January 2025 to further investigate the extent of contamination and determine if a groundwater prohibition area (GPA) should be established.
Groundwater is contaminated
Groundwater is water that is present underground within rocks or sediments and can be accessed by a bore with an outdoor pump. Most properties do not have access to groundwater.
Groundwater in this area is contaminated and should not be used for any purpose.
Rainwater and mains water (tap water provided by SA Water) are not affected by the groundwater contamination and can be used. Home-grown fruit and vegetables are safe to consume, provided they are not watered with groundwater.
