In March 2008, Council undertook testing work at the ‘Green Belt’ next to Merindah Park in Sandringham.
The Green Belt is next to what was once a battery manufacturing plant. When the battery manufacturing site was subdivided in the early 1990s it was issued with a certificate of environmental audit – confirming suitability for residential use.
The Council-owned land near the former battery manufacturing plant site, now Merindah Park, was issued with a statement of environmental audit – confirming its suitability for use as a park, garden or recreational facility.
In January this year, during a post storm clean up of damaged trees at Merindah Park, Council was told by a long-term resident that the Green Belt area between the two sites might not have been subject to an environmental audit.
Council immediately engaged experts to investigate the environmental history of the area.
They reported back to Council, on Monday 3 March, identifying a possibility of elevated levels of lead in surface soils at the Green Belt area and recommending further testing to determine the actual concentrations.
Council instructed that surface soil testing be started immediately, along with further analysis of groundwater lead levels.
The work involved soil sampling across the site, and the use of a drill rig to sink approximately five groundwater monitoring wells. A report is now being prepared.
The Environment Protection Authority has been notified of the issue.
The health risk associated with lead contamination requires exposure to high amounts of the metal over a prolonged period of time, which is not likely in this case. However, we would rather err on the side of caution and consequently are taking the following steps immediately:
- The Green Belt will be mulched today. We will fence off the site while the mulch is spread.
- Bore users, whether with or without a bore permit, should call Noel Arnold & Associates (9890 8811) to arrange a free test of their groundwater supply.
Council has maintained regular contact with locals by mail and signage on site, and with the broader community through the local press and Council’s website.
If you have any concerns about the health of your family, we encourage you to contact Council’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Jim McDonald, at the Bluff Road Medical Centre on 0408 172 711, between 1-2pm Monday to Friday.
For all other enquiries about the Green Belt area please contact Council on 9599 4444.
To assist local residents and the Bayside community, understand what is happening at Merindah Park, we have prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions.
What has happened?
There is a possibility of elevated levels of lead in surface soils at the Green Belt area next to Merindah Park in Sandringham.
What is Council doing about it?
- We have written to local residents telling them what we know.
- We have done what the experts have told us to do, i.e. mulching the Green Belt to contain surface soil and begun testing the soil and ground water for lead levels.
- We have notified the EPA.
- We have offered free testing of private local bore water for lead contamination.
- We have offered free health advice through Council's Medical Officer of Health.
Is there a health risk?
The health risk associated with lead contamination requires exposure to high amounts of the metal over a prolonged period of time; which is not likely in this case.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
The symptoms of lead poisoning depend on the degree and length of exposure but may include:
anaemia
- loss of appetite
- irritability
- fatigue
- abdominal pains
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of physical coordination and balance
- muscular weakness
- seizures
- coma
Source Department of Human Services Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
What do I need to do?
If you have any concerns about the health of your family, we encourage you to contact Council’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Jim McDonald, at the Bluff Road Medical Centre on 0408 172 711, between 1-2pm Monday to Friday.
Bore users, whether with or without a bore permit, should call Noel Arnold & Associates (9890 8811) to arrange a free test of their groundwater supply.
Home > In The News
