Three abandoned fuel tanks have been discovered under the footpath in High Street (between Bransdon St and Hastings St) during the upgrades in the Wauchope CBD.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
These fuel tanks were part of a workshop/fuel station that had previously occupied the site. Removal of these old tanks is not practical due to the location of essential services including water and telecommunications over the tanks, and their proximity to the existing shop fronts.
The tanks are therefore being drained of any residual contaminants, and will be refilled with inert material. Testing of the soil surrounding the tanks is ongoing, and any contaminated material will be removed and disposed of.
Once the work is complete the footpath will be replaced so that it is consistent with the other completed footpaths in High Street.
Work on the remediation of the fuel tanks is expected to take around two weeks, subject to identification of any contamination of surrounding areas.
To ensure the safety of the community, alternate access to businesses in and adjoining the Roland Plaza Arcade will be via Brownings Lane at the rear of the shops.
"Directly impacted businesses have been consulted in relation to these works and Council continues to work with these businesses as this activity progresses," said a council spokesperson.
All work is being conducted within the Contaminated Land Management Act, Council's Contaminated Land Policy and under EPA, Safework and RMS requirements.
Council thanks the community and local business for their patience and understanding while this important work takes place. The CBD work remains on schedule.
Follow Council's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pmhc2444 for regular updates on community services, Council projects and local happenings.
ALSO MAKING NEWS