|
Defence is cleaning up landfill sites at Marrangaroo Army Depot as part of its broader environmental program.
The Marrangaroo contamination remediation work is planned to begin in January 2009 and is expected to take six months. The work will involve the excavation of landfill sites to remove lead and heavy metals from the soil by a Defence contractor who has expertise in managing un-exploded ordnance and other munitions.
During World War II, Marrangaroo was a known storage site for stocks of Chemical Weapons (CW). Since then, there have been several instances where containers that were designed to hold chemical agents have been found around the site, though no chemical agent residue was found to be present. The most recent instances were in April 2008.
It is possible that old chemical munitions containers may be dug up during excavation works. Our records show that it is very likely that these containers will have been emptied prior to burial and will be harmless. This is supported by previous discoveries of empty containers at the site.
The chemical agents that were known to have been stored in containers onsite are mustard and phosgene. Defence takes very seriously its responsibility for the safety of the surrounding community, and to those involved in this project. Consequently, Defence is taking a precautionary approach in planning for the works.
We are working with the Defence Science and Technology experts and the Local Emergency Management Committee to ensure measures are in place to avoid incidents.
Works Procedures
A comprehensive set of work plans and safety procedures has been developed to ensure the safety of all personnel on site and the community:
- The works procedure will be undertaken methodically to ensure that, in the very unlikely event that a suspected chemical munition container is located, its contents are identified and managed appropriately.
- A purpose built vapour containment tent will be utilised in the excavation of the pits, which will contain any inadvertent release of Phosgene chemical agent in the event that a leaking Phosgene container is found.
- The tent is designed to contain a Phosgene gas release and then turn the gas into harmless by products by using a neutralising spray system. An airlock is used to allow workers to pass in and out of the Vapour Containment Tent Workers will be wearing protective clothing and respiratory equipment.
- Weather conditions will be constantly monitored and work will only proceed in favourable conditions.
- The local emergency services will be on standby in the case of an emergency.
These measures are highly precautionary however Defence has decided to be as cautious as possible, even though the potential for any chemical agent to be present is remote.
All landfill areas will be managed according to worst case scenario conditions to ensure that all potential risks are being mitigated.
The works will take approximately six months and are scheduled to begin in January 2009. The excavation of the main landfill area (that is suspected to contain empty old chemical munitions containers) is expected to take two weeks. Defence will advise local residents at the start and conclusion of works at this landfill area.
Defence has addressed very thoroughly the risks involved in this remediation project. The use of the vapour containment tent and work procedures is precautionary and will protect the surrounding community against the unlikely event that an incident occurs on the site.
Defence takes its responsibility to Lithgow and the wider community very seriously.
If you have any further questions, please contact Defence on 1800 220 116.
Last updated 15 October 2008
|
