Proposed groundwater prohibition area at Woodville North
The EPA is proposing to establish a groundwater prohibition area (GPA) in parts of Woodville North and surrounding suburbs.
The area covers portions of Woodville North, Pennington and Athol Park.
These suburbs have historically been areas where significant industrial and manufacturing activities such as the production of ammunitions, whitegoods and vehicles have been undertaken.
Chemicals identified in the groundwater include chlorinated hydrocarbons such as trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE) and their breakdown products and metals.
The most recent EPA assessments have shown that groundwater in the upper three aquifers in the area are contaminated with a range of chemicals above drinking water guidelines.
The EPA establishes GPAs to prevent exposure to contaminated groundwater and protect public health.
Before establishing the GPA, the EPA is undertaking a 60-day consultation period and wants to hear from residents and bore users.
EPA Director of Policy, Assessment and Finance Kathryn Bellette said the proposed GPA will prohibit the taking of water from bores to a depth to 20 metres for any purpose in the whole of the area shown on the map.
“The EPA has been engaging with the community in this assessment area for some years and we will continue to be available to answer questions,” she said.
Groundwater from bores in deeper tertiary aquifers, such as those used by council for the irrigation of ovals, have not been shown to be affected, therefore home-grown vegetables are safe to consume provided they are not being irrigated by water from bores drilled to less than 20 metres below ground level.
Mains water and rainwater are safe to use.
The EPA has been conducting assessments in these areas since 2018.
More information is available at the Woodville North EPA page.