Chromium (VI) treatment using molasses, remediation and compliance monitoring during site redevelopment for statutory environmental audit: Stage 1, Fyansford Green Development
Summary of works
ESG Environmental Pty Ltd (ESG) was engaged to undertake a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) of a former cement manufacturing plant in Fyansford (Geelong), Victoria for a proposed low density residential development. Compliance monitoring during site redevelopment in accordance with ESG’s prepared Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and remediation of identified impacted soils and groundwater were also key components of the project.
The 17.2 hectare site was previously occupied by over 20 buildings and associated cement manufacturing infrastructure. The site had a complex history of industrial manufacturing usage for over 75 years, between the mid 1920s and circa 2001. To facilitate site development, the DSI was split over eight Audit Areas.
As part of the implementation of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for the Fyansford Green Development, ESG was engaged to provide a cost-effective, Auditor-approved methodology for the re-use of impacted material identified during the DSI and subsequent development works.
Project highlights
Client: ICD Property Pty Ltd (ICD)
Client Contact: Ms Alice Smith, Development Manager
Duration: 2016
Specific issues / problem solving
Client needed a solution to cost-effectively treat heavy metal contaminated soils (including leachable chromium (VI)) and allow reuse of the material on-site with no adverse environmental risks
Bench trials were undertaken in house to determine the most cost-effective remediation media aimed at avoiding utilising more expensive options
Field trials were optimised to allow effective blending of the remediation media which achieved Auditor approval only two weeks after treatment of the material. This resulted in no negative impact on the construction timeframes and removing potential environmental risk associated with the reuse of the material.
Key services
Assessment of chromium (VI) and other metal concentrations
Undertaking of bench trials to determine suitable remediation media
Obtain Auditor approval of bench trials
Derivation of field application of molasses and cement
Field application of molasses and cement to impacted material to ensure stabilisation and complete mixing of remediation media
Reporting for audit requirements.
Benefits
Cost-effective treatment of impacted soil using molasses and cement
Soil treatment undertaken on-site
Treated material reused on-site as approved by Auditor
Reuse of material on-site reduced requirement for disposal of material to landfill and reduced imported fill requirements.