The Problem:
A new flammable goods storage zone was planned at an industrial chemical site in Victoria. Excavation of around 2,000 m³ of soil was required, raising concerns about contaminated land due to the site's industrial history and the past presence of bonded asbestos in soil. EPA regulations and the site's environmental management plan required that all excavated soil be classified before disposal to confirm it was free from asbestos contamination and other pollutants.
Project Summary:
iEnvi completed an insitu waste classification to classify soil for lawful off-site disposal at an industrial site in Melbourne. The project included a review of historical records, excavation of seven test pits, in addition to the sample locations from recent prior investigations, as well as the collection of twenty-one new soil samples for environmental analysis. Following EPA Victoria's guideline, a higher sampling density was applied in areas where asbestos in soil was suspected. The program included visual asbestos inspections, gravimetric sampling, and laboratory analysis for heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, PCBs, PFAS, and asbestos fibres. A formal classification report was prepared with clear instructions for the safe handling and disposal of soil.
During the excavation, some unusual and odorous materials were excavated, and waste was tested for a wide range of analyses to identify the contamination related to chemical distribution and former agricultural chemical use. The process was managed through the unexpected finds protocol in the EMP iEnvi had prepared for that portion of the site
Both common and exotic chemical swere tested for, with only moderately high levels of fluoride and no other signature chemicals found in the soil. After completing further testing and ASLP leachability testing on the soil and surrounding soil, it was determined to be odorous but chemically innocuous, and aesthetic considerations were applied for its management.
Solution & Benefit:
The investigation gave the client a safe, efficient, and fully compliant pathway to proceed with excavation and redevelopment.
iEnvi quickly identified and tested unusual materials exposed during excavation on a fast turnaround under the unexpected finds protocol that iEnvi had prepared. By identifying and delineating low levels of asbestos, the program ensured that unexpected, suspected contaminated material was not hazardous, reducing delays and unnecessary disposal costs while protecting site workers and the environment. iEnvi's targeted and cost-effective contaminated land investigation provided a compliant foundation for the safe construction of new infrastructure.
