Hendon industrial area
Assessment works
The most recent stage of the assessment program predicted that indoor TCE concentrations are predicted to be in the ‘validation’ range of the TCE action levels in residential areas. This is considered to be safe.
As a precaution, basements in the area should not be used for habitation. Surveys undertaken by the EPA in close proximity to the Hendon Industrial Area have not identified anyone residing in their basement. If you use your basement for this purpose, please contact the EPA for further information. Predicted indoor concentrations of TCE across the commercial/industrial area are also predicted to be safe.
The EPA is still requesting that groundwater (bore water) not be used for any purpose and it is expected that the taking of groundwater at Hendon will need to be restricted.Mains water and water from rainwater tanks are not affected. Home grown fruit and vegetables are safe to consume, provided they are not watered with groundwater (bore water).
Background
The EPA has been assessing groundwater and soil vapour in Hendon for historically used chemicals including trichloroethene (TCE), since September 2012. The purpose of these assessment programs was to help the EPA better understand the nature and extent of potential offsite contamination in the groundwater and soil vapour to the north, west and south of the Hendon industrial precinct. Works to the north of the industrial area are being managed by a third party which previously conducted activities that may have caused contamination in the area.
An EPA accredited site contamination auditor has been engaged by the third party to independently and objectively examine and review the accuracy and completeness of the assessment and to complete a site contamination audit report.
The EPA assessment works completed since 2012 have concluded that:
- A number of industrial chemicals are present in groundwater and soil vapour within the Hendon assessment area, including trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE).
- There is no health risk to occupants of residential properties that do not have a basement that is being lived in.
Residents and property owners in parts of Hendon/Albert Park/Seaton/Royal Park were first advised by the EPA in May 2012 not to use bore water (underground water) for any purpose until further notice to ensure that direct contact with contaminated groundwater does not occur. This advice is still current.
Reports
EPA letters to residents
Maps
Fact sheets
Media releases
Frequently asked questions
How did the EPA become aware of the contamination in Hendon?
On 2 May 2012, the EPA received a report dated October 1992 from the current site owner of an industrial property in Hendon. The report provided historical information that identified the presence of perchloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE) and dichloroethene (DCE) in groundwater at offsite locations, outside the property boundaries.
The contamination is historical in nature and arose from the industrial use of TCE and PCE solvents and their subsequent disposal using practices seen as inappropriate by today’s standards. It is likely that the contamination was caused progressively from the use of these chemical substances over time for cleaning metal parts and plastics, as well as other activities undertaken in the vicinity of the industrial precinct. At this stage, the sources of the contamination has not been confirmed but we do know it originates from within the Hendon industrial area.
What are the chemicals of concern?
Trichloroethene (TCE) and perchloroethene (PCE) are common industrial solvents and were widely used as dry cleaning fluids, degreasers and metal cleaners. Dichloroethene (DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) are generally present as the result of the degradation of TCE and PCE.
For more information on the contaminants, please visit the SA Health website.
The chemical substances found to be present in groundwater also have the potential to change from liquid to gas (volatilise) and move through pore spaces in the soil to the ground surface. It is then possible for the chemicals in gaseous form to further migrate and build up in confined spaces such as cellars, houses and basement carparks. The risk posed by these chemicals in commercial/industrial properties and homes would be through long-term exposure.
PCE, TCE and its breakdown products (DCE & VC) are liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon chemicals that readily flow and evaporate when released into the environment. These chemicals have entered the soil and dissolved into groundwater. They then start flowing with the groundwater, away from the source site. In the Hendon/Albert Park/Seaton/Royal Park area, the general groundwater flow direction is toward the ocean (west to northwest) at an estimated velocity of 3.5–12 m/year.
Can I use the bore water?
Groundwater (bore water) in this area is contaminated and should not be used for any purpose. Mains water and water from a rainwater tank is not affected by this issue. Home grown fruit and vegetables are safe to consume, provided they are not watered with bore water.
How can contamination affect health?
Exposures to these chemicals may occur in the general community, for example, vinyl chloride (VC) is found in tobacco smoke while TCE can be found in some household products such as correction fluid, paint or spot removers.
DCE exposure can result from the use of perfumes, lacquers and some plastics (eg thermoplastics). These types of exposures are referred to as background exposures. As exposures to chemicals occur from many sources in our everyday life, it is important that when there is a chance of exposure occurring that can be reduced or eliminated, action is taken.
It needs to be recognised that exposure to any one chemical often occurs from many sources to varying degrees and it is important to reduce total exposures to the lowest amount possible. This is to ensure that total exposure levels are below those that may produce effects on health.
For more information on contaminants, please visit SA Health website.
Further information
For further information on health-related queries, please contact SA Health on (08) 8226 7100 or email.
For site contamination related enquiries, please contact the EPA on (08) 8124 4216 or email.
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