CSIRO Belmont UPDATE

Key dates

• June – September, 2017 – First Phase Remediation project
• Late 2017 – Main Remediation Project to be undertaken

Demolition update

The clean-up of the former CSIRO research facility at 1 Henry Street Belmont is on track and expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018.

As you would have observed, the demolition of all major buildings at the former CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology Laboratory was successfully completed earlier this year.

Remediation program

Now demolition has been completed the focus will be on remediation of a small area of soil contaminated with a liquid hydrocarbon from a dry cleaning machine used some 40 years ago. The contamination was found during soil testing and it can be easily and safely removed from the soil. It is a common task performed by the remediation industry. CSIRO has engaged a specialist remediation company to manage this process, remove the hydrocarbon in a controlled manner and ensure the site is clean and safe for future use.

The first phase of the remediation will be undertaken over about three months starting this month (June). The goal is to ensure the process obtains Environment Protection Authority (EPA) approval with the remainder of the remediation task being completed towards the end of this year.  The process involves digging out the affected soil to enable extraction and collection of the hydrocarbon in carbon filters which will be taken off site for disposal. The clean soil will be returned back to its original place. Neighbours will observe excavators working for approximately one week to extract the soil and form the soil piles. A period of around 10 weeks will be required for the extraction process and no significant activity will be observed. An excavator will return to replace the soil once it has been confirmed free of the hydrocarbon.

The area that requires remediation is approximately 20 metres by 30 metres and this will be fully remediated as the last task CSIRO will undertake before exiting the site. We will keep you informed as the process progresses and welcome any questions the community may have. Questions or feedback can be provided by contacting the project team via the contact details below. To minimise disruption, work will continue to be carried out between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.  Weekend work is not envisaged.

As explained previously, the 6.2 hectare site has been sold to development company Up Property, who intend to develop it for residential use. The removal of all structures from the site is part of site sale conditions.

CSIRO’s goal is to ensure the site is left free of any contaminants or old structures to ensure future residents of the property and the wider community enjoy a safe place to live. CSIRO appreciates your understanding and patience while these important works are being carried out.

CSIRO is committed to ensuring the safety of our workers and the local community during the works and carrying out all works in line with current regulations and WorkSafe Victoria requirements.

Other Information

The fence around the property, preventing unauthorised access to the site, will remain in preparation for the next stage. Security patrols will continue their daily monitoring of the site after hours.

CSIRO understands that trees are highly valued by the local community and we have been working with the City of Greater Geelong in regard to the trees on the property. A small number of trees which are either unhealthy, unsafe or need to be removed for demolition purposes have been removed. CSIRO will keep the site safe by performing any necessary tree maintenance.

Keeping you informed

Thank you for your patience while we complete the demolition works.  For more information, please refer to the FAQ list on our website https://wp.csiro.au/belmontworks/ or contact us on the details provided below. We will provide you with regular newsletter updates as the work progresses.