Mr Robert asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 11 March 2010:

In respect of the former Maribyrnong Defence Site:

1. what chemicals were used in the making of Defence armaments at the site;
2. where will the contaminated soil from the site be disposed of;
3. what is the estimated cost of remedying the site; and
4. what future land development projects will be undertaken on the site after it has been decontaminated.

Mr Combet – The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

1.         The following chemicals were used in the making of Defence armaments at the Maribyrnong site: Soda ash, Phenols, Sulphate, Sulphite, Hydrochloric acid, Ferrocyanides, Calcium chloride, Sodium fluoride, Methyl orange (acid-base indicator), Hydrogen peroxide, Sodium hydroxide, Nitric acid (weak), Iodine, Nitric acid (strong), Tetrachloromethane, Mercury, Sodium carbonate, Sulphuric acid (weak), Pyridine, Sulphuric acid (strong), Carbon tetrachloride, Thiocyanates, Glycerine/Glycerol, Ethyl alcohol, Ammonium carbonate, Sodium chlorate, Calcium carbonate, Calcium nitrate, Caustic soda, Hydroxylamine, Gun Cotton Mixed Acid, Acetic acid, Mixed acid, Ethanol, Acetaldehydes, cotton, paper, additives, Nitroglycerine, Nitrocellulose, Acetone, Candelilla wax, Potassium cryolite, Lead salicylate, Potassium nitrate, Carbamite, Benzene, Mononitrotoluene, Toluene, Mononitrobiuret, Sodium sulphite, Methylated spirit, Magnesium carbonate, sulphur, iron filings, Trinitrotoluene (TNT), Aluminium powder, Amatol, Baratol, “Research Department” explosive (RDX), Minol, Tetryl, beeswax, Ammonium nitrate, paint, Toluene diisocyanate, Trioctylphosphinic oxide, lubricants and corrosion preventatives, plastics and rubbers, varnishes and lacquers, insulants, Cellulose acetate, Lead salts, Polyurethane, Solventless cordite, Cast composite propellant, Cast double base propellant, Extruded double base propellant, Plastic propellant, explosives and explosive compositions, Polybutadiene, inhibitors, Ammonium styphnate, Ammonium perchlorate, alcohol, Wet fulminate, Mercury nitrate, Fulminate, Lead nitrate, Styphnic acid, Sodium azide, Lead acetate, Dextrin, 4:6 Dinitroresorcinol, Industrial methylated spirit, Sodium nitrate, Azide acid, Sodium carboxyl-methyl cellulose, Mercury fulminate, Lead azide, Lead 2:4 Dinitroresorcinol, Silver azide, Barium styphnate, Tetrazene, shellac, Magnesium styphnate, Lead styphnate, Diethylene glycol, Potassium chlorate, Strontium carbonate, linseed oil, Accroid resin, charcoal, Calomel, Solvent naphtha, epoxy resins, Trichloroethylene, Magnesium powder, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Strontium carbonate, paraffin wax, Nitrate of Soda, Methyl alcohol, Aniline, Aniline hydrochloride, Ethyl aniline, Phosgene, Dimethyl aniline.
2.      A decision has not yet been made in regard to this issue. The remediation project is in the process of developing remediation strategies for the contaminated soil.  The project will apply sustainability and waste hierarchy principles in developing the remediation and disposal strategies.
3.      The project is in the process of determining the nature and extent of the contamination at the site and is developing remediation strategies.  At the conclusion of these development works, a cost plan will be developed.
4.      The development of the land post-remediation will be the responsibility of the Victorian Government, which is the purchaser of the land.  The Victorian Government has publicly indicated the land will be developed for a range of purposes, including housing, community facilities, and open space.

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