The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a clean-up notice to the new owners of the Kanwal petrol station.
In 2018, the site was declared significantly contaminated when the EPA found soil and groundwater was contaminated due to fuel spills and leaks from an underground petroleum storage system (UPSS) over a long period of time.
Adam Gilligan, Acting Executive Director, Operations at NSW EPA, said they expect the new owners to implement the Remedial Action Plan in full and we have established clear deadlines for each stage of work.
“Over the past few years, we have taken multiple actions that have required the former owners to complete interim remediation works at the site to reduce further pollution impacting neighbouring properties.”
In 2022, Zoya Investments Pty Ltd plead guilty to failing to comply with a contaminated land Management Order issued by the NSW EPA and was fined $320,000.
“While some repairs have been made, extensive work is still required. This includes removing underground fuel tanks and infrastructure, the excavation and remediation of contaminated soil and treatment of contaminated groundwater. Additionally, ongoing groundwater monitoring will be required both on-site and off-site.”
Gilligan said the NSW EPA is working with neighbouring property owners to better understand if groundwater contamination has extended beyond the boundaries of the petrol station.
There is currently no evidence that contamination is impacting local waterways, and surrounding properties have access to town water, which is safe to drink.
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