Remediation Works
As part of the Parramatta Light Rail program, the site for the future light rail Stabling and Maintenance facility at 6 Grand Avenue, Camellia, has been remediated to address chemical contamination resulting from the land’s historical industrial use. Located on the corner of Grand Avenue and Colquhoun Street, this work will make the site safe for future use.
What is the plan for the site?
A Stabling and Maintenance facility for the Parramatta Light Rail is being built on the site. The facility, including a control centre, will be used for the operations of the light rail, maintenance of light rail vehicles and the storage of light rail vehicles when not in operation. The facility will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is the history of the site?
The site has a long industrial history. Previously, it was used for a variety of industrial and chemical manufacturing purposes dating back to the 1930s. The site has been contaminated by substances including:
- Chromium from the manufacture and storage of chrome products
- Chlorinated hydrocarbons from the manufacture and storage of chlorofluorocarbons (refrigerants)
- Asbestos from former buildings/landfilling activities.
Who approved these works?
Transport for NSW completed a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 for the first portion of the remediation works. The second portion was assessed through the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Parramatta Light Rail project, which received planning approval from the NSW Minister for Planning in May 2018.
The remediation approach was reviewed and endorsed by an independent Site Auditor accredited by the NSW Environment Planning Authority (EPA). Transport for NSW also lodged a Voluntary Management Proposal for the management of significantly contaminated land with the EPA. The City of Parramatta Council and EPA are aware of the contamination and Transport for NSW is working in consultation with these agencies.
Are there other similar sites?
Both asbestos and chromium contamination is known to exist on many sites in the Camellia area. Contamination from chlorinated hydrocarbons is also common at old industrial sites.
What was done to resolve the contamination issues?
Transport for NSW secured the services of specialist remediation contractors and consultants to remediate the site before construction of the Stabling and Maintenance facility commenced.
What does the remediation involve?
The remediation work was delivered in two stages. The first portion of the remediation work involved installing an underground barrier wall around the site to prevent groundwater from moving in and out of the site. A new groundwater treatment plant was also installed to treat any contaminated groundwater at the site. The second portion of the remediation work involved improving the ground, constructing a waste containment cell and installing an integrated capping system across the surface of the site.
How was the work managed?
Remediation of the site was performed in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry best-practice. Specific safety and environmental controls and monitoring systems were used throughout the remediation activities. The project was overseen by an independent Site Auditor accredited by the EPA.
Can the waste be recycled?
The remediation strategy reused materials onsite to minimise the amount of waste that was removed, subject to safety, geotechnical, environmental and regulatory requirements.
How long will the work take?
Remediation of the site including additional ground improvement work has been completed.
Were the community safe during remediation works?
Transport for NSW engaged highly experienced, specialist remediation contractors to perform the remediation works. The contractor also used monitoring equipment to ensure the controls were operating effectively. Specific safety and environmental controls were detailed within a Construction Environmental Management Plan.