Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project Community Information Session 26 September 2013

Welcome & Format Objective Provide an overview & update of the contamination remediation works that have commenced at the former Fire Training Area (FTA) at RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook. Format of the Evening –30 Minute presentation –Q & A session –Light refreshments Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project Former Fire Training Area

Site Location and Overview Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Historical Practices – Fire Training Pits Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Contamination Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

FTA Site Plan Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Chemical Oxidation & Air Delivery System Trials Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Cut-Off Wall & Erosion Control Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Potential for Impacts from Contamination Human Health There is no unacceptable level of risk to users of the beach or park. Risks associated with the site itself are being managed by controlling access to the site Ecological No effects to the sensitive species present adjacent to the site could be identified as attributable to the former FTA. Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Remediation Objectives The objectives of the FTA Site Remediation is to: –Prevent the further migration of contamination offsite at concentrations that could adversely impact upon human health or the environment. –Enable Defence to use the FTA Site for dry surface training with overnight camping; and –Mitigate Defences risk and long term liabilities associated with contamination of soil and groundwater at the FTA Site. Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Remediation Approach Excavate contaminated soil and DNAPL at Source Zones A and B; Treat groundwater extracted during the de-watering process; Treat contaminated soil and DNAPL using Thermal Desorption technology; Test and validate treated soil; Re-use the treated clean soil as backfill; Revegetate the site post completion of the remediation works; Continue to monitor the groundwater to confirm the success of the works; Consider groundwater remediation approach based on work outcomes. Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Ex Situ Thermal Desorption How? –Direct heating of the contaminated soil. –Destroys contaminants of concern (CoC) in a controlled process that does not discharge CoC to the environment. Why? –Greater certainty in DNAPL removal –Proven track record on large scale projects in Australia –Post-treated soil suitable for use a backfill material –On-site treatment Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Thermal Desorption Plant Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Remediation Site Layout Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Potential Impacts from Remediation Likely to be low Air Quality (dust, odour & volatile emissions) –Potential process and engineering controls Traffic –Works undertaken onsite i.e. little to no traffic impacts post site establishment. Noise –Plant intended to operate 24hrs a day 7 days a week. –Noise Management Plan Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Management of the Works Complies with Commonwealth legislation and the intent of State environmental and OH&S legislation. Works undertaken in accordance with Defence Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Independent Environmental Auditor engaged by Defence. Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Remediation Works Program July / October: Site Establishment including construction of Thermal Desorption Plant and associated infrastructure. November / December: Proof of Performance Testing to ensure plant will be effective at remediating contamination and complies with regulatory requirements. January onwards: Full scale treatment and remediation activities. Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Recent Works Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Impacts to the Base and Surrounding Area Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Community Consultation Opportunities Website: number: Further public meetings: Approximately every 6 months or as required. Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project

Questions Defence recognises its responsibility to remediate contaminated sites resulting from its activities. We are committed to ensuring the ongoing protection of human health and the environment, wherever we operate. Former Point Cook Fire Training Area Contamination Remediation Works Project