An environmental audit has been ordered for a subdivision at Russell Vale after concerns were raised about potential contamination of the soil.
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This came after information surfaced about the possibility of asbestos at the site, and its former use as a site for coal mine safety training.
It was this training which raised concerns about the possible presence of highly toxic perfluorinated chemicals – known as PFAS – which have been linked to firefighting foams.
The sales agent for the Russell Vale land dismissed the concerns as unfounded.
Wollongong City Council said the site had been identified as contaminated, but development approval was given in 2013 with a condition the land must be remediated so it was fit for residential use.
An environmental auditor would need to be appointed and report to council that remediation was complete.
“While construction has neared completion, the subdivision cannot be finalised until a final site auditor statement has been received from the appointed site auditor,” a council spokesman said.
PFAS have been identified at several Defence sites across Australia, and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has been investigating statewide.
The land, described as a “boutique estate”, was divided into 19 lots under the name Tallowoods estate.
The land, owned by Wollongong-based Keerong Investments, is being sold by estate agency MMJ North.
Agent Greg Ellul did not mix his words when asked to comment on the issue.
“You want me on the record? It’s an absolute load of s..t,” he said.
“There’s no chemical contamination.
“Everything has been done as per council’s EA.”
He said the process should be completed soon.
”The NSW EPA is liaising with Wollongong Council to understand the extent of a range of potential contamination at the Russell Vale site, including asbestos and fire-fighting foams which may have contained PFAS,” an EPA spokeswoman said.
“Wollongong Council has requested an independent site auditor also be appointed … the next step is for council to oversee the engagement of an environmental consultant to undertake testing.”