CONTAMINATED SITE AUDIT 
Former Fuel Bunkering Terminal, Fremantle, Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia
 
A Contaminated Sites Audit (CSA) was undertaken on behalf of the site owner, of a former marine bunker fuel and diesel storage terminal.  The Site had been leased since 1921 to various oil companies, who had operated a storage terminal for marine fuels in large capacity above ground storage tanks (ASTs), storing light diesel and bunkering oils.  As a condition of the lease, the site was to be returned to the owner in a condition suitable for residential development.   

The former site operator undertook demolition works during 2005. Investigation and remedial works occurred  between January and October 2005.

The audit reviewed completed reports for the Stage 1 Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI), Stage 2 Detailed Site Investigation (DSI), Stage 3 Site Management Plan (SMP) and Stage 4 Remediation, Validation anjdf On-going Monitoring (RVoM) work undertaken by the former operator. Investigation works included soil and groundwater monitoring bores.

Hydrocarbon contaminated soils above applicable guidelines for residential development were
identified at various locations at former tank footprints, pipeline corridors and Anpress unit. 
Groundwater was impacted by Phase Separated Hydrocarbons (PSH) and dissolved phase hydrocarbons present in both on-site and offsite bores.

A Site Management Plan involved the removal of impacted soils above guideline levels to
depths in excess of 2mBGL for off-site disposal and replacement with clean fill. Unsuccessful
attempts were made to recover PSH from the water table.  A long term management plan via
Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) was proposed.

Due to identified shortcomings in the remedial works undertaken, the site was  classified as
‘Contaminated – Remediation required’.

Stuart Jeffries
Hydrosolutions Pty Ltd

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(Audit 12)

CHLOR-ALKALI MANUFACTURER, Kwinana, Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia
Groundwater investigation

An investigation of groundwater quality was undertaken at a chlor-alkali manufacturing plant, which produces chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen from brine by electrolysis.  The manufacturing process involves solid salt dissolved in heated water to form a hot brine. Leakage of brine through the dissolver had lead to a a salt plume within the fresh underlying groundwater within the Safety Bay Sand superficial aquifer.

A geophysical survey using the Em34 was undertaken to produce electomagnetic resistivity profiles of the operational site. These data were used to infer potential points of leakage to groundwater.

A groundwater monitoring network was established to determine the hydrogeological conditions
and groundwater quality in 3-dimensions.

The rate of movement and salt flux was estimated.

It was concluded that the low migration rates would promote natural attenuation of the salt
by advective dispersion in the absence of any downgradient users.

Recommendations were made for an ongoing monitoring program.

Stuart Jeffries
Hydrosolutions Pty Ltd

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Hydro13

WATER: WHY YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IT!
Water comprises 70% of our bodies, our biochemical reactions occur in it, our body temperature is regulated by excreting it, & it removes bodily wastes; water is essential to life. 

70% of Australia is semi-arid to arid desert; travelling through the outback not only requires water, but also knowledge about water. The average person can expect to survive without water for only 2-5½ days depending on climate & what they try to do. 

How Much Is Enough?
• Normal activity: c8-10 (240ml) glasses/ day (1.9 to 2.4L).
• Minimum water requirement in the bush is 4L/ person/ day drinking water, +4L for washing, plus extra in case of stranding/ breakdown/ lost. 

Thirst is not always a reliable guide & can lead to under consumption of your daily requirement. To prevent “voluntary” dehydration, use the following temperature guide:
• <38oC, drink ½L of water/ hour.
• >38oC, drink 1L/ hour

Symptoms of too little water include constipation, itching, nose bleeds, urinary infections, sneezing, sinus problems & headache. 

Assuming a 12-hour working day, the recommended water consumption would be: 

Location                                    Mean                     When                       Recommended
                                                      days/year                                              consumption 
                                                       >35oC                                                     L/p/d
Wagin (Central SW)                      19                     Nov-Mar: 12        Apr-Oct  6 minimum
Perth Airport                                 26                     Nov-Mar: 12        Apr-Oct: 6 min 
Kalgoorlie (Goldfields)               40                     Oct-Mar: 12         Apr-Sep: 6 min 
Newman (Pilbara)                       137                    Oct-Apr: 12         May-Sep: 6 min 
Fitzroy Crossing (Kimberley) 209                   Sep-Apr: 12         May-Aug: 6 min 

What to Do In an Emergency:
If you are lost/ stranded in a vehicle, stay there; it is easier to spot, & a good shade source; temperatures are significantly reduced 0.3m above the ground surface.  Air temperature, humidity & physical activity affect water requirements in the desert. 

Ways to minimise water loss include:
• Find shade, avoid direct sunlight;
• Place something between you & the hot ground;
• Limit movement/ labour in daytime;
• Conserve your sweat.
• Cover up; protect from hot blowing winds &/or direct sun.
• Breath through your nose (reduces transpiration).
• Drink in small sips
• If water is scarce, do not eat; water is consumed during metabolism.
• Do not drink urine unless distilled. 

I’m So Thirsty.
Tricks on how to get water in the desert;
Rain water:
• Rock formations accumulate rainwater & a possible spring/ soak
• Salt lakes, after rain the top 3mm of water is fresh & can be syphoned off
• Farm/ station dams/ soaks
Groundwater: Dig at the outside bend of a river bed, use a rag to soak & ring out.
Catch/ condense atmospheric moisture:
• Place plastic bags over the ends of a branch with leaves.
• Dessert still: dig a hole, place a cup in the middle/ bottom, place a tarp/ plastic sheet over the hole weighted down & sloping down to the cup • Wrap rags around your legs & walk through heavy grassland at dawn/ dusk, ring out
Vegetation: Tree roots contain moisture which can be drained,
Locate an oasis/ dam/ soak: Follow animal tracks
Distilling: boil salty water, collect the steam, & condense it using a long tube to a container

Hyponatremia
Consumption of excess water; it is a common electrolyte imbalance, typically where >15-20L water has not been adequately excreted. 

Sources: FirstScience, Bureau of Meteorology, US Army Field Manual, US Bureau of Land Management, WA Police, Wikipedia

HydroSolutions Pty Ltd
We are a specialist hydrogeological consultancy providing expert services including investigation, potable & process resource development & dewatering.  Our environmental capabilities include contaminated site investigation, remediation & risk assessment – qualitative/ quantitative, health, & ecological.
Visit us at: www.HydroSolutions.com.au

Broadband NetMeeting conferencing available for remote sites.

Stuart Jeffries, Hydrosolutions Pty Ltd

WARDLE METALS, Powys, Wales, United Kingdom

Investigation & Restoration of an Aluminium Recycling Plant

An investigation of hydrogeological conditions at an aluminium recycling facility was
undertaken as part of a major expansion of waste disposal facilities.

Aluminium scrap is reprocessed inside a reverbatory furnace; hot highly reactive waste slag, which may be liable to spontaneous combustion is removed from the furnace and sprayed with water prior to deposition within a former clay pit to ‘cure’ by exposure.  The waste remains reactive for many years, leaching ammonia and metals
in solution.

The former brick pit had been excavated into clays overlying sand deposits.  Both
perched and semi-confined groundwater was impacted by ammonia, elevated Electrical Conductivity, aluminium,copper and iron, with a an elevated (alkaline) pH.

A geotechnical appraisal of the suitability of on-site clays for landfill development was
undertaken.  The restoration plan for the existing landfill comprised perimeter
earthworks, capping and restoration.  Groundwater contamination was addressed
through a perimeter cut-off drain and ongoing monitoring.

An investigation of an adjacent field for development of a new above-ground landfill
was undertaken.  Detailed landfill development costs were prepared, including provision of a leachate pre-treatment plant to reduce high-strength leachate necessary before disposal to sewer.

Stuart Jeffries
Hydrosolutions Pty Ltd

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Contam7

TIWEST JOINT VENTURE
Review of Groundwater Monitoring License Requirements, Kwinana pigment plant & chemical works, Western Australia

A review of groundwater monitoring over the preceding ten-years and future monitoring requirements was undertaken on behalf of Tiwest JV at the Kwinana pigment plant on the Swan Coastal Plain.

A brief review of the main chemical processes was undertaken to identify raw materials, products, intermediates & waste chemicals.

Background data was reviewed regarding hydrogeology, groundwater monitoring &
historic sources of impact, including potential off-site contaminant sources.

A qualitative risk assessment was undertaken of current processes and historical impacts, and potential receptors.

Sampling procedures were reviewed & recommendations for improved quality assurance/ quality control (QA/QC) were outlined.

Recommendations were made to rationalise the existing bore monitoring
network and for changes to the monitoring program to meet new site licensing
requirements.

Further work was recommended to provide adequate characterisation and monitoring
of on-site process areas, and known off-site sources of contaminants.

Stuart Jeffries
Hydrosolutions Pty Ltd

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(Audit 10)

MYRUP FLY-IN ESTATE, Esperance, Western Australia
Proposed residential development adjacent to the Lake Warden RAMSAR wetland

A hydrogeological & hydrological investigation was undertaken of a proposed fly-in residential estate to be constructed adjacent to the Lake Warden wetland northeast of Esperance. 

Lake Warden is a RAMSAR designated wetland with high ecological values.  The site development incorporates effluent treatment systems with disposal via on-site irrigation through a constructed wetland to provide water/effluent treatment  and remove/ reduce the nutrient and sediment load.

A site investigation determined the hydrogeological and soil conditions. Site soils are duplex type, comprising shallow soils overlying silty clays.  The soils possess adequate infiltration capacity and depth to water to permit effluent disposal based on loading estimates. Nutrient sorbsion rates in soils were estimated from the Phosphate Retention Index (PRI) and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of soils.

Brackish to saline unconfined groundwater is present at shallow depth beneath superficial dune sands, and also unconfined to semi-confined groundwater within silty and sandy clays of the Pallinup Siltstone.  Groundwater flow occurs to the southwest,
discharging into Station & Mullet Lakes to the south.

Lake water is chemically similar to groundwater, although pH indicates that groundwater comprises only a minor portion. Surface water has a lower average turbidity, is oxygenated and low in nutrients.

Site run-off has been altered through the construction of roadways, however major drainage lines to the southerly wetlands are retained.  Run-off volumes are estimated for various storm events.

A surface water feature is proposed at a topographic low through excavation of soils to form an engineered wetland.  This will be beneficial in improving the surface water quality discharged to the Lake Warden wetland through the removal of
sediments and nutrients.  A monitoring network was established to determine baseline conditions prior to development.

Stuart Jeffries
Hydrosolutions Pty Ltd

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Hydro12

OK TEDI MINES LTD, Papua New Guinea, Water Quality Review

A review of the Industrial Sites Management Water Monitoring Program was undertaken on behalf of OTML.

The study included a review of relevant PNG legislation relating to water quality monitoring, Surface water, mining, including the Mining
Code of Practice & the Environment Act.

Historical monitoring data was available over a 3-year period, including surface water flow and quality in the Fly & Ok Tedi rivers, and groundwater data.

For each discharge point, water quality was compared to applicable environmental standards. Areas of apparent non-compliance were
identified.  Recommendations were made for further assessment/ investigation and/or changes to the monitoring suite.

A review of sampling and laboratory analytical protocols was undertaken.
Recommendations were made for improved sampling protocols, and the  implementation of improved quality assurance procedures.    

Analytical results from two laboratories were compared, and recommendations made for improvements in reporting & Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures.

Stuart Jeffries
Hydrosolutions Pty Ltd

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Audit 9

TARMAC ROADSTONE (WESTERN) LTD, Cheshire, England.
Groundwater numerical modelling of quarry dewatering & associated impacts

As assessment of the hydrological & hydrogeological impacts of dewatering a large open sand-pit was undertaken.

Existing hydrogeologival data was reviewed, and a groundwater and surface water monitoring network was established.  A program of  hydraulic testing to establish aquifer parameters, and geotechnical testing to establish mineral properties and available landbank was undertaken, together with a surface water stream gauging exercise.

A groundwater numerical model was constructed using MODFLOW, which was calibrated against historical abstraction, groundwater level and surface water flow records.

The effect of drawdown on streamflow and perched water levels within streams was assessed, together with interference effects on
licensed groundwater abstractions.  An assessment of potential settlement impacts due to dewatering on adjacent nearby properties was also undertaken.

Recommendations were made for groundwater management and disposal, and augmentation of the existing groundwater monitoring network.

Stuart Jeffries
Hydrosolutions Pty Ltd

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Hydro11

LONDON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Landfill Development Appraisal, Canewdon, Essex, England

An investigation was undertaken of a proposed landfill development of a site
adjacent to an ecologically sensitive salt marsh wetland in Canewdon, Essex.

Void created by quarrying within a discrete lens of sand and gravel overlying London Clay had previously been used for mixed inert and putrescible waste disposal.

A groundwater monitoring bore network was established to assess the remaining
landbank, the hydrogeological conditions and groundwater flow/direction and quality.

Shallow unconfined groundwater flow discharges into the neighbouring Paglesham Creek.  Groundwater quality was impacted by landfill leachate from former waste disposal operations.

A contained landfill development was proposed, retaining surface water features.  A detailed recharge estimate was undertaken to determine whether sufficient aquifer remained to support the wetlands.

Measures were proposed to divert groundwater flow around the landfill area to prevent flooding and channel sufficient groundwater to maintain the surface water features.

Stuart Jeffries
Hydrosolutions Pty Ltd

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Contam6

OK TEDI MINES LTD, Papua New Guinea, Water Quality Review

A review of the Industrial Site Management Water Monitoring Program
was undertaken on behalf of OTML at their Ok Tedi minesite in Papau New Guinea.

The study included a review of relevant PNG legislation relating to water quality
monitoring, surface water, mining, including the Mining Code of Practice & the Environment Act.

Monitoring data was available over a 3-year period, including surface water flow and quality in the Fly & Ok Tedi rivers, and groundwater data.

For each discharge point, water quality was compared to applicable environmental standards. Areas of apparent non-compliance were identified.  Recommendations were made for further assessment/ investigation and/or changes to the monitoring suite.

A review of sampling and laboratory analytical protocols and Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC) was undertaken.  Recommendations were made for
improved sampling protocols, and the  implementation of improved quality
assurance procedures.    

Analytical results from two laboratories were compared, and recommendations
made for improvements in reporting & Quality assurance/ Quality control
QA/QC procedures.

Stuart Jeffries
Hydrosolutions Pty Ltd

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Audit 9