Groundwater assessment update at Ethelton
The EPA monitoring of groundwater in the Ethelton assessment area has confirmed that the extent of groundwater contamination has reduced significantly.
The EPA has been undertaking environmental assessments at Ethelton since December 2020, investigating groundwater contamination associated with a former dry cleaning business that operated on Marion Street.
The assessment focused on chemicals including chlorinated hydrocarbons, primarily tetrachloroethene used in dry cleaning, and its breakdown products, including trichloroethene.
The assessment was conducted to determine whether this contamination may be a risk to residents.
The most recent assessment shows that the remaining contamination is now limited to an isolated section of the assessment area only, in the vicinity of Marion Street and Deslandes Street. There are no known bores in this vicinity.
Director of Policy, Assessment and Finance Kathryn Bellette said based on these most recent results the EPA will not establish a Groundwater Prohibition Area at this time.
“Further monitoring of soil vapour and groundwater in the streets around the former dry cleaning site will also be undertaken in 2026 to confirm that impacts to shallow groundwater remain low and that no further action is required by the EPA,” she said.
“I would encourage any resident accessing bore water, such as via a pump in your backyard either within or outside of an area of interest to the EPA, to test the bore water to ensure it is fit for purpose.”
For further information visit Ethelton EPA assessment area