Kleinfelder successfully completed remediation of hydrocarbon-impacted soil and groundwater contamination at a former coal fired power station site that was decommissioned and rehabilitated to a safe and stable condition, suitable for ongoing industrial / commercial use.

Remediating a High-Profile Site

Eight areas across the site required remediation, which was performed in accordance with the requirements of a Voluntary Site Remediation Proposal (VSRP) with the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA), and was subject to a Site Contamination Audit. The demolition and remediation of this former coal fired power station was the first of its kind in Australia, and it therefore attracted attention both locally and nationally.  Kleinfelder actively participated in the project’s comprehensive Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan.

Staged Remediation Approach

Kleinfelder adopted a staged remediation approach for areas of contaminated soil, including establishment of bioremediation pads for stockpiling and bioremediation of excavated contaminated soil, and implementation of reinstatement strategies in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Groundwater assessments were undertaken to establish baseline concentrations. Subsequently, the primary contamination sources were remediated and validated through sampling and analysis. Post-remediation groundwater monitoring was conducted to demonstrate the success of the remediation. The project received the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA) 2019 Industry Excellence Awards Best Remedial Project (<$1M).

Project Results

Throughout the duration of the project, quarterly progress meetings were held between the client, Kleinfelder, the EPA, and the Site Contamination Auditor to track progress against key milestones outlined within an agreement with the EPA. As a result, the site audit report was prepared concurrently with the final remediation and site management reporting, with the EPA accepting the audit report within a month of its submission with no amendment. The remediation of the site transformed a potential liability for the client into an asset which has successfully been sold for redevelopment.

Project Details

Location:
Port Augusta, South Australia

Owner:
Flinders Power Partnership