Binary fire update - January 2006
Update
The department committed to cleaning up Binary contamination
The State Government is committed to protecting community interests and has invested $5 million to ensure the site is cleaned up as quickly as possible and in the most environmentally sound manner.
The State Government stepped in to manage the environmental impacts from the Binary fire, and has had strong support and cooperation from local government, including Caboolture Shire Council.
The State Government has conducted an extensive program of containment and cleanup works to stabilise the site to reduce the risk of harm to the surrounding environment, including Saltwater Creek.
Thanks to these combined efforts and the flushing of the creek from heavy rain, latest water quality test results from samples taken on 6 December 2005 show no substances in Saltwater Creek exceed the relevant ANZECC water quality guidelines.
The removal of remaining contaminated water stored on land adjoining the Binary site is a priority to ensure it is no longer a threat to the surrounding environment, including Saltwater Creek.
A number of options to treat and dispose of the remaining contaminated water are currently being explored.
The treatment and disposal of a portion of this water through the Caboolture Shire Council's sewerage system is one option currently being trialled by the Agency, with Caboolture Shire's agreement.
The aim of this is to lower the levels of contaminated water currently stored in dams on land adjoining the Binary site. This is designed to prevent overflows to Saltwater Creek during heavy rain events.
There is currently no final cost estimate for the clean-up as the most environmentally sound and cost effective options are still being investigated.
The department expects clean-up works planned for the site to be completed within the next 12 months.
The Agency appreciates the quick action and assistance of the Caboolture Shire Council on the night of the fire that limited the amount of contaminated firewater that entered Saltwater Creek.
Information updated: 5 January 2006.
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- Soil, sediment and water testing - dioxins
- The department water sampling program - post-Binary fire incident
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