Hendon industrial area
The EPA commenced assessment of groundwater and soil vapour in Hendon in September 2012. The results of this work led to a groundwater prohibition area being established in portions of Hendon, Royal Park, Seaton and Albert Park.
Between 2012 and 2017 the EPA undertook assessment of groundwater and soil vapour to the north, west and south of the Hendon industrial precinct to understand the nature and extent of contamination related to historical activities. The contaminants of concern included trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE).
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 contaminated groundwater (bore water).
Groundwater prohibition area
Chemicals from historical industrial and commercial activities that have contaminated the groundwater in portions of Hendon, Royal Park, Seaton and Albert Park include volatile petroleum and chlorinated hydrocarbons including trichloroethene (TCE), tetrachloroethene (PCE), dichloroethene (DCE), and vinyl chloride (VC). Other chemicals identified by the investigations undertaken in the area include metals and nitrate.
The EPA established a Groundwater Prohibition Area (GPA) to prohibit the extraction of bore water in 2019 to ensure residents are protected now and into the future from contaminated groundwater.
Reports
EPA letters to residents
Maps
Fact sheets
Media releases
Chemicals of concern
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 and habitable basements, houses. The risk posed by these chemicals to residents relate to long-term exposure. Risks to commercial/industrial properties can also exist.
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) 8429 7554 or email.
