Potentially Contaminating Activities Industries and Landuses, Western Australia
Potentially Contaminating Activities Industries and Landuses, Western Australia
Potentially Contaminating Activities Industries and Landuses, Western Australia
MANAGeMENT SERIES
October 2004
PREFACE
The Potentially Contaminating Activities, Industries and Landuses guideline has been prepared by the Department of Environment (DoE) to help local government authorities, planners, consultants, industry and the general public to identify potential contaminants associated with specific activities/industries, as part of the assessment of contaminated land and groundwater in Western Australia. Enquiries may be directed to the Department of Environment: Contaminated Sites Section Environmental Management Division Department of Environment PO Box K822 Perth WA 6842 Telephone: (08) 9222 7000 Facsimile: (08) 9322 1598 Comments via email should be sent to: [email protected]
LIMITATIONS
This guideline should be used as a preliminary reference for the identification of potential contaminants associated with specific industries, activities and/or landuses. However, a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) is necessary to determine which contaminants may be present at a site, through the consideration of a number of factors such as current and historical site activities, physical characteristics of the site, and characteristics of any chemicals which are or have been utilised at the site (such as toxicological characteristics, persistence in the environment, environmental mobility, chemical reactivity and degradation). This guideline should be used in conjunction with the texts referenced herein, and any other appropriate references.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this document is made available in good faith and is believed accurate at the time of publication (or at the time of release on the internet). However, the document is intended to be a guide only and should not be seen as a substitute for obtaining appropriate advice or making prudent inquiries. The information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed therein and that they should verify all relevant representations, statements and information. Changes in legislation, or other circumstances, after the document has been published may impact on the accuracy of any information or advice contained in the
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document and readers should not rely on the accuracy of information presented in this document. Information presented in this document does not constitute, and is not intended to be used as legal advice nor used as an interpretive instrument. In the event of any inconsistency between this document and relevant legislation, provisions of the relevant legislation will prevail. Neither the State of Western Australia (State), nor any employee or agent of the State or any agency or instrumentality of the State, nor any authors or contributors to this document shall be liable for any loss, damage, personal injury or death however caused (whether caused by any negligent or other unlawful act or omission of, by or on the part of the State or otherwise) arising from the use of or reliance on any information, data or advice) expressed or implied in this document.
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Administrative Guidelines Certificate of Contamination Audit Scheme Contaminated Site Auditor Accreditation Scheme Contaminated Sites and the Landuse Planning Process Disclosure Statements Reporting of Known or Suspected Contaminated Sites Site Classification Scheme Use of Risk Assessment in Contaminated Site Management
Reference and compliance with these guidelines should ensure that the minimum requirements of the DoE are satisfied. Copies of these guidelines are available from the DoEs library located at Westralia Square, Level 8, 141 St Georges Terrace, Perth, or from the DoEs website at <www.environment.wa.gov.au>.
Development of Sampling and Analysis Programs Assessment Criteria Reporting on Site Assessments Use of Risk Assessment in Contaminated Site Assessment Community Consultation
Reporting on Site Assessments Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils Use of Monitored Natural Attenuation for Groundwater remediation Use of Risk Assessment in Contaminated Site Assessment
Reporting on Site Assessments Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils Use of Monitored Natural Attenuation for Groundwater Remediation Community Consultation Use of Risk Assessment in Contaminated Site Assessment
*Where samples are to be collected a Health, Safety & Environment Plan (HSEP), and Sampling & Analysis Plan (SAP) should be prepared
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ..................................................................................................................... I LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................... I DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................ I CONTAMINATED SITES MANAGEMENT SERIES........................................................ III STAGED APPROACH TO SITE INVESTIGATIONS.......................................................IV 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1
1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE GUIDELINE........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 WHO SHOULD USE THIS GUIDELINE AND WHEN .............................................. 3 LIST OF POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATING ACTIVITIES, INDUSTRIES AND LANDUSES.......................................................................................................... 4 GLOSSARY....................................................................................................... 14 REFERENCES .................................................................................................... 15
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INTRODUCTION
The principal causes of environmental contamination are generally poor or inadequate operational practices associated with the manufacture, use and disposal of chemicals by past or current industrial, agricultural or commercial activities. Contamination may be caused by point sources such as accidental spillage of chemicals, leakage of chemicals from drums, tanks, pipe-work and drains, or from diffuse sources such as leaching of contaminants from inappropriate landfills, and regional contamination of groundwater by pesticide and fertiliser application. Often, the extent and degree of contamination at a site is dependent upon its physical characteristics such as soil type, depth to groundwater, or proximity to sensitive environments such as wetlands and rivers. Each contaminated site is unique. Experience has shown that some industrial activities and landuses, such as oil production, fuel storage and chemical manufacturing, have a higher potential for contaminating a site, however many other activities may contaminate a site. It is often the operation and general housekeeping practices at a site rather than the actual industrial activity and the associated chemical(s) which result in contamination. For example, a vehicle repair workshop may have an above-ground waste oil storage tank situated in a concrete bund of appropriate capacity (e.g. 110% of volume of the storage tank). If the tank leaks, the waste oil will be contained within the bund and therefore not enter the environment. However, poor housekeeping practices, such as leaving the outlet valve of the bund open, may allow the waste oil to discharge into the surrounding soil and possibly into the groundwater, potentially resulting in contamination. Section 3 of this guideline provides a quick reference list of a range of potentially contaminating activities, industries and landuses. The list of activities presented in this guideline is not exhaustive and is provided as a guide only. Consideration may need to be given to other activities not listed when determining the potential for a site to be contaminated. Consideration should also be made of surrounding landuses, including historical landuses which may have resulted in contamination at a site. It should be noted that where an activity listed in this guideline has been undertaken at a site, the site is not necessarily contaminated but there is an increased risk of contamination being present. A Preliminary Site Investigation, completed in accordance with the guidance provided in Reporting on Site Assessments document (DEP, 2001) should be undertaken to identify any current or historical potentially contaminating activities.
1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE GUIDELINE The objectives of this guideline are to: provide a quick reference indication of the type of activities which may contaminate the environment;
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identify some of the potential contaminants for those specific industries, activities and landuses; and assist consideration of contaminated site issues prior to land transfer and redevelopment, and during planning processes.
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Table 1 provides examples of how and when the quick reference list provided in Section 3 could be used: TABLE 1. USE OF THE POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATING ACTIVITIES, INDUSTRIES AND LANDUSES LIST WHO, WHEN AND WHY
WHO Local and State Government Authorities WHEN During planning approval process (Refer to DoE Contaminated Sites and the Landuse Planning Process) WHY The identification of a potentially contaminating activity may trigger the need for further information and/or investigation to enable informed decisions to be made regarding the suitability of rezoning and/or development proposals. Early consideration of contaminated site issues can help avoid inappropriate restrictions on land uses. To identify potential liability issues. To determine whether investigation is warranted. To identify the need to submit a Disclosure Statement pursuant to the CS Act 2003. To assist in the preparation of a Disclosure Statement.
Current landowners
Identifying the potential for contamination. Determining whether the submission of a Disclosure Statement is warranted pursuant to the Contaminated Sites Act 2003 (CS Act). (Refer to DoE Disclosure Statements guideline) Identify the potential for contamination prior to purchasing/developing a site.
Prospective purchasers/developers
To identify potential liability issues. To determine the potential for site restrictions (e.g. groundwater abstraction not recommended, disturbance of soil at depth not recommended) due to contamination. Reporting of known or suspected contaminated sites pursuant to the CS Act 2003.
General public
Reporting known or suspected contaminated sites. (Refer to DoE Reporting Known or Suspected Contaminated Sites guideline) Undertaking site investigations. (Refer to DoE Reporting on Site Assessments guideline)
Environmental Practitioners
Assist in identifying past and present potentially contaminating activities, landuses and industries as part of developing a history of a site, as per the requirements of the Contaminated Sites Management Series of guidelines.
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The following list is by no means exhaustive and is provided as a guide only. Consideration may need to be given to other activities not listed when determining the potential for a site to be contaminated. Consideration should also be made of surrounding landuses, including historical landuses, which may have resulted in contamination at a site. Where one or more of the activities on the list has been undertaken at the site, the site is not necessarily contaminated but there is an increased risk of contamination being present.
INDUSTRY, ACTIVITY & LANDUSE
Abattoirs *
Abrasive blasting *
Dependent on material being removed Heavy metals, iron Lead from lead based paints Tributyltin from boat maintenance Mercury, sulphuric, hydrochloric and nitric acids, sodium and calcium hydroxide
Airports
Total petroleum hydrocarbons Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene & xylene) Metals (e.g. aluminium, chromium, lead, magnesium) Solvents Solvents, acids, metals,
Asbestos Total petroleum hydrocarbons Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. creosote) Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene & xylene) Metals (e.g. chromium, lead)
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Solvents Total petroleum hydrocarbons Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. toluene, xylene, white spirit) Phenol Chlorofluorocarbons Metals (e.g. copper, chromium, lead, zinc) Alkalis Acids (e.g. sulphuric, phosphoric) Metals (e.g. antimony, cadmium, cobalt, lead, manganese, nickel, mercury, silver, zinc) Acids (e.g. sulphuric, hydrochloric) Refer to asphalt manufacturing
Metals (e.g. copper, chromium, lead, mercury, zinc) Antifouling paints (e.g. organotin, tributyltin) Asbestos, copper Alcohol (e.g. ethanol, methanol) Nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus) Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Lime, calcium hydroxide, alkalis Hydrocarbons Asbestos Nitrates, Heavy metals, lead Formaldehyde Biological hazards
Cemeteries
Wide range of organic and inorganic compounds See AS 4482.1 table II Metals (e.g. mercury) Acids (e.g. sulphuric, hydrochloric, nitric) Sodium and calcium hydroxides Polyvinyl acetate (e.g. adhesives) Phenol Formaldehyde (e.g. resins) Phthalate esters Metals (e.g. chromium, titanium, cobalt) Solvents
- Adhesive/resins
- Dyes
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- Fungicides
- Herbicides
- Paints
- Pesticides
- Pharmaceutical
Solvents (e.g. acetone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol) Carbamates Potassium bromide Metals (e.g. chromium, silver), Thiocyanate Ammonium compounds Sulphur compounds Phosphate Ethanol Formaldehyde Metals (e.g. cadmium) Solvents Styrene Sulphates Phthalate esters
- Photography
- Plastics
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- Soap/detergents
- Solvents
Compost manufacturing *
Concrete batching or cement product manufacturing * Defence works and defence establishments
Metals (e.g. aluminium, copper, lead, mercury, silver) Explosives (e.g. TNT, 2,4 DNT, 2,6 DNT, RDX) Hydrocarbons Solvents
Dependent upon contents of drums Solvents (e.g. methylene chloride, orthodichlorobenzene) Total petroleum hydrocarbons Metals (e.g. cadmium, chromium, lead, zinc) Chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g. trichlorethylene, ethane, 1,1,1 - trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, perchlorethylene) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Metals (e.g. copper, lead, tin, mercury) Polychlorinated biphenyls Solvents
Electrical transformers
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Solvents Resins Styrene Metals, particularly iron, aluminium, lead, zinc, copper, tin, nickel, chromium and oxides), chlorides, fluorides and sulphates of these Acids Coke (PAHs) Fuel oil
Foundry operations
Gasworks
Cyanide Nitrate Sulphide/sulphate Metals (e.g. aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, vanadium, zinc) Thiocyanates Total petroleum hydrocarbons Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. creosote) Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene & xylene) Phenols
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Metals (e.g. nickel, copper, chromium, lead, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc) Acids (e.g. sulphuric, hydrochloric) Mineral oils Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene & xylene) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. coke residues) Refer to Gasworks Carbamates Organochlorine pesticides Organophosphate pesticides Herbicides (e.g. triazine, atrazine) Nitrates Salinity Metals (e.g. aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, potassium) Nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus) Dependent on landfill type and waste disposed Polychlorinated biphenyls Alkanes Sulphides Metals Organic acids Nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus) Total petroleum hydrocarbons Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Ammonia Landfill gas (e.g. methane) Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene & xylene) Metals (e.g. arsenic) Carbamates Organochlorine pesticides Organophosphate pesticides Herbicides Synthetic pyrethroids
Intensive agriculture
Landfill sites *
Metals (e.g. cadmium, arsenic, copper, lead, mercury, magnesium, aluminium, iron) Organochlorine pesticides (e.g. DDT, Dieldrin) Organophosphate pesticides (e.g. Azinphos ethyl, Diazinon, Fenthion) Carbamates Total petroleum hydrocarbons (fuel) Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene & xylene)
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Total petroleum hydrocarbons Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene & xylene) Acids (e.g. sulphuric) Alkalis Lagging, insulation (e.g. asbestos) Metals (e.g. lead, zinc, copper, nickel, chromium, cadmium, barium, arsenic, mercury). Metals should be decided according to the composition of the deposit and known impurities Cyanides
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Port activities
Railway yards
Total petroleum hydrocarbons Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene & xylene) Phenols Metals (e.g. arsenic, lead, zinc, cadmium, chromium, iron) Creosote Nutrients (e.g. nitrates, ammonia) Carbamates Organochlorine pesticides Organophosphate pesticides Herbicides Explosives (e.g. TNT, 2,4 DNT, 2,6 DNT, RDX) Metals (e.g. lead) Metals (e.g. lead, cadmium, magnesium) Solvents Polychlorinated biphenyls Oil and grease Total petroleum hydrocarbons Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene & xylene) PAHs
Rifle range
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Textile operations *
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Compiled from:
Victorian Environment Protection Authority (Vic EPA) (1995) Potential Contaminating Land Uses (Publication 472). Ministry for Environment (New Zealand) (2004) Contaminated Land Management Guidelines Schedule B: Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL) with Hazardous Substances <http://www.mfe.govt.nz>.
* Prescribed activities under the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987. A licence or registration from the DoE is required to undertake a prescribed activity. The Environmental Regulation Branch of the DoE should be contacted for further information on licence requirements on (08) 9222 7000.
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GLOSSARY
Study of a site to determine possible and actual contaminants. May involve a desktop review of the site and may also include the collection and analysis of soil, groundwater or sediment samples. Possessing the skills, knowledge, experience, and judgement to perform the assigned tasks or activities satisfactorily. In relation to land, underground water under that land or surfance water on that land, means a substance present above background concentrations, that presents, or has the potential to present, a risk of harm to human health, the environment or any environmental value. An investigation which confirms and delineates potential or actual contamination through a comprehensive sampling program. All waters occurring below the land surface. Localised source of contamination such as storage tanks, pumps and drums. Suitably qualified professionals with experience environmental investigations and management. in
Assessment
Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) Groundwater Point source Practitioners Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI)
An investigation consisting of a desktop study, a detailed site inspection review of historical records/aerial photographs. The preliminary site investigation should be of such scope as to be sufficient to indicate whether contamination is present or likely to be present and to determine whether a detailed site investigation should be conducted. Also to provide information for designing a DSI. An area of land, underground water under the land, or surface water on that land
Site
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REFERENCES
5.1 CITED REFERENCES Department of Environment (DoE) (2004) Reporting of Known or Suspected Contaminated Sites. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) (2000) Certificate of Contamination Audit Scheme. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP 2000) Contaminated Site Auditor Accreditation Scheme Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) (2000) Disclosure Statements. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) (2001) Reporting on Site Assessments. Ministry for Environment (New Zealand) (2004) Contaminated Land Management Guidelines Schedule B: Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL) with Hazardous Substances Victorian Environment Protection Authority (Vic EPA) (1995) Potential Contaminating Land Uses (Publication 472). 5.2 OTHER USEFUL REFERENCES Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (1992) Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of Contaminated Sites. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) and Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (ARMCANZ)(2000) Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (1995) Guidelines for Groundwater Protection in Australia. Department of Environment (DoE) (2003) Assessment Levels for Soil, Sediment and Water (Draft V3). Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) (2001) Development of Sampling and Analysis Programs.
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National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) (1999) National Environmental Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure. Standards Australia (1997) AS/NZ 4482.1 Guide to the sampling and investigation of potentially contaminated soil. Part 1: Non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Standards Australia (1998) AS/NZ 5667.11 Water quality Sampling. Part 11: Guidance on sampling of groundwaters.
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