PRELIMINARY works on the long-anticipated remediation of the contaminated antimony site at Urunga have begun.
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Bellingen Shire Council has approved the preliminary works involving demolishing the buildings and foundations, clearing vegetation, preparing and stockpiling material for use in the remediation and constructing clean water diversions around the site.
”These works are being undertaken by the Soil Conservation Service, as will the full remediation program,” said Stephen Wills, Trade and Investment Crown Lands’ director of infrastructure and land management.
“This lead up activity will not involve any disturbance of the contaminated area,” Mr Wills said.
Crown Lands has submitted a development application and Environmental Impact Statement to the Department of Planning and is waiting for approval for the remediation works to proceed.
“The remediation of the contaminated area will follow the Remedial Action Plan that was outlined to the local community at a public meeting in May," Mr Wills said.
“It involves excavating the contaminated material and placing it in a sealed containment cell, on-site but well away from the wetland."
Remediation of the contaminated area is expected to commence in autumn 2015 once the summer storm period has ended.
The site is regulated by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) which has approved the Remediation Action Plan.
“The EPA has advised Crown Lands that it welcomes the commencement of this work which will address the mineral processing legacy and start the ecological recovery of the Urunga Lagoon," Mr Will said.
A telephone hotline has been established on 1300 886-235 for the public to report any issues during the project.
* The Environmental Impact Statement for the remediation is on public exhibition until December 15 and can be viewed either at the Bellingen Shire Council or by visiting www.planning.nsw.gov.au.
