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Ground (bore) water contamination
The EPA has been advised by General Motors Holden (GMH) that the groundwater contamination at GMH Elizabeth is now known to extend over a larger area than originally advised.
Any nearby residents who have access and use bore water for any purpose are being advised not to use it until further notice.
In accordance with EPA requirements, GMH door knocked approximately 270 residential homes in the area bordered by Hogarth Road, Blake Road and Philip Highway in December 2011.
An updated notification of the groundwater contamination was provided to the EPA, pursuant to section 83A of the Environment Protection Act 1993, on 16 December 2011. This information identified chlorinated hydrocarbons in groundwater comprising of trichloroethene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), and showed that the plume extended off-site.
From a previous notification, commercial premises adjacent to the GMH Elizabeth site were door knocked during November 2011.
Since November, the EPA has required that additional groundwater assessments be undertaken by GMH including the drilling and installation of a further 16 new groundwater wells. The results of this testing were later provided to the EPA in December.
According to EPA Acting Chief Executive Tony Circelli, the EPA has met with GMH to determine a consultation area for door knocking.
"The area identified has been set for conservative purposes rather than where the groundwater is actually known to exist.
"The main message is for anyone in the area that has a bore to stop using groundwater immediately.
"GMH have been door knocking residents this morning and leaving letters and fact sheets on using bore and well water.
"GMH will initially be establishing if there are any bores in the consultation area and then determining a testing program under EPA direction," said Mr Circelli.
A second stage of drilling commenced in January 2012.The EPA will continue to oversee all the assessment and remediation that is undertaken at the site and engage with GMH to ensure on-site and off-site risks are managed.
GMH is cooperating with the EPA and undertaking all necessary steps to ensure residents are fully informed.
The EPA has sought advice from SA Health regarding potential health risks.
"This further confirms previous advice from the EPA and SA Health that bore owners should regularly test their bore water to ensure it is fit for purpose.
"People should also be advised that this does not affect mains water in any way," said Mr Circelli.
For further information on the use of groundwater and any contamination related enquiries in relation to this matter, please contact the EPA on 1800 729 175 during weekdays between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm.
Letters to property owners
Media releases
Map of area under investigation, 21 December 2011
Last modified: 14/05/2012 04:14 pm
