THE excavation of lead-contaminated soil from sections of Merindah Park in Sandringham is about to begin with the removal of the contaminated soil which unfortunately includes about 20 mature pine trees and 10 mature native trees, as well as a number of smaller trees.

Bayside Mayor Councillor James Long said removal of designated trees was scheduled to start on 4 May 2009. Soil excavation is expected to begin on 18 May 2009.

Cr Long said local residents and park users would be upset by the loss of the trees, but he believed the community understood the importance of completing the soil remediation works safely and thoroughly.

“We have considered this thoroughly but it is simply not possible to completely and safely remove all lead-contaminated soil from the park with those trees still in place.

“We can’t risk this process being done improperly or inadequately; the health of our community is too important,” Cr Long said.

The works have been approved by an independent Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Auditor and are absolutely necessary to comply with EPA requirements.

“The good news is that we will be undertaking an extensive replanting program once the remediation works are finished, and we’ll be talking to local residents, including the Friends of Merindah Park, to gain community feedback.

Cr Long said sections of Merindah Park had been fenced off from public use since last year as Council worked in compliance with the rigorous processes specified by the EPA for the testing and removal of lead contaminated soils.

Council was keen to complete the next critical stage of the process as efficiently as possible to minimise the impact on nearby residents.

“People who live near Merindah Park will have seen that markers are now in place to define the precise boundaries of the areas to be excavated,” Cr Long said.

“Residents will inevitably be affected by noise associated with the works and I ask for their continued cooperation and understanding as we get this job done.”

Cr Long said excavated contaminated soils would be treated on-site and disposed of in an approved facility. The excavated site would be lined with an approved synthetic layer and filled with clean topsoil.

Tenders were received for the soil remediation works and a report will be presented to General Committee on Tuesday 21 April 2009 to award the contract.

Merindah Park is next to a former battery manufacturing plant. Last year, Council became aware that parts of the Park may not have been subject to proper environmental checks at the time of the plant’s clearance and subdivision in the early 1990s. It immediately commenced works to test and remediate any affected areas.