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Report on ALGA's recent Asbestos In Soils Workshop held in Sydney
ALGA’s ASBINS workshop was a sold-out success with over 60 industry leaders including representatives from EPA, Worksafe, Dept of Health, Geotechnical Consultants, Remediation Contractors, universities & soil/water testing laboratories.
The workshop provided the latest information on policy and practices related to the detection, sampling, testing and management of asbestos in soils. Thanks to Ian Gregson (GHD) who responded to the need for this workshop, seconded and introduced the speakers, outlined needed clarification and improvements to asbestos guidelines, and led a vibrant and informative question & answer session.
Pierina Otness (WA Dept of Health) explained the application of the WA asbestos guidelines, particularly in relation to sensible sampling techniques with consideration of site conditions and intended future use. Peter Beck (GHD) illustrated simple statistical approaches to quantifying the prevalence of a contaminant on sites with consideration of site size and initial inspection results.
Ross McFarland (AECOM) explained global historic developments in contaminant measuring equipment and the imminent availability of new devices. Nick Cowman (Enviropacific) illustrated the evolution of standards across Australia and apparent ‘grey areas’ of our industry with regard to proper site sampling and waste removal.
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PFAS probe: RFS Nowra
Testing is underway at Nowra Rural Fire Service (RFS) training site, as part of the state-wide PFAS investigation program being led by the NSW EPA.
Preliminary sampling undertaken by RFS at the site, which is owned by Shoalhaven City Council, shows the presence of PFAS in some surface water samples taken offsite.
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Budget gives EPA $184M
Of the $1.8 billion the NSW budget has committed to the environment and heritage, EPA will get $184 million.
Key budget investments include:
$184 million to support the EPA as an independent regulator, this includes:
- $3.4 million for the Container Deposit Scheme
- $6.4 million to manage PFAS contamination across NSW
- $1.9 million towards the Broken Hill Lead Smart program
- $34 million across national parks
- $41 million to assist local councils to prepare and implement coastal and floodplain management
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EPA Blitz on Builders
Hundreds of construction sites around the Parramatta River were inspected in a recent blitz on sediment and erosion control, with more than $165,000 worth of fines issued in one day. Almost half the sites were found to be non-compliant.
A joint taskforce from the NSW EPA, Department of Planning and Environment and 11 local councils did inspections were conducted on a range of developments from small home renovations to major road constructions. The area covered the Parramatta River catchment in the local government areas of Blacktown, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Hills Shire, Hunters Hill, Inner West, Parramatta, Ryde and Strathfield.
Offences ranged from no controls in place at all, collapsed fencing, ripped and torn sediment bags, and inadequate containment of sediment stockpiles.
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Dear ExampleContactFirstName
Let me start off by saying that I was very impressed with the interest and subsequent discussion generated by our Asbestos workshop in Sydney last week, and now at the time of writing we are hosting the 2017 Regional Contaminated Land Conference in Queanbeyan.
Remember, if as ALGA members you are unable to attend our events in person, papers are released to our website under resources in the papers section.
It’s that time of year for most, when organisations are taking stock of their finances and the planning and/or finalising budgets for the year ahead. Keep in mind our events for the next six months, including the workshops, conferences and networking possibilities. These are all designed to help our members stay abreast of developments in our industry. The information, networking and training we provide are all crucial for organisations and individuals operating in these sectors. To name a few of the bigger ticket items
- 2-day workshop - Risk Assessment 101 (Auckland and Christchurch)
- 1-day workshop - Managing Landfill Legacy (Newcastle)
- 1-day workshop – PVI (Hobart)
- 1-day workshop - Groundwater Management for Infrastructure workshop (Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland)
- 1 and 2-day workshops – Groundwater Geochemisty by Bill Deutsch (Sydney, Adelaide or Tassie and Auckland)
As always any suggestions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me directly OR use the "soapbox" button on the website.
Enjoy!
Elisabethe Dank
Chief Executive Officer
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ALGA is continually building on its library of resources on the website under the resources – papers tab click here. However, please note, this is a member benefit only – a password will have been provided in your membership confirmation email.
This website section includes copies of recordings, Powerpoint presentations and/or event summary reports for ALGA events held – click here
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Best of the Conference – Old Fashioned Contaminants
When: Tuesday, 27th June
Cost*: $25 (ALGA members) $60 everybody else
Click here for more information and to register
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Managing CLM Project Risks through a One Team Vision
When: Wednesday, 5th July
Cost*: $25 (ALGA members) $60 everybody else
Click here for more information and to register
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Risk Assessment 101 - 2 Day Workshop
Auckland
Date: 17th to 18th July 2017
Venue: Auckland Council
Christchurch
Date: 20th & 21st July 2017
Venue: Environment Canterbury
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Groundwater Monitoring Technologies
When: Thursday, 27th July
Cost*: $25 (ALGA members) $60 everybody else
SAVE THE DATE!
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Managing Legacy Landfill Contamination
When: Thursday, 27th July
Where: Crowne Plaza, Newcastle NSW
SAVE THE DATE!
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Groundwater Management for Infrastructure - Case Studies from International Road, Sewer & Rail Projects, including London Crossrail
Melbourne
Monday, 31st July
Sydney
Wednesday, 2nd August
Auckland
Friday, 4th August
For more information and to register, please click on the location you would like to atttend.
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* All fees listed are excluding GST
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