Work will soon commence to remove disused underground petrol tanks throughout the region, funded through the Environment Protection Authority’s Derelict Underground Petroleum Storage System Council Road Reserve Program (Derelict UPSS CRR Program).
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The MidCoast region, like many other regional centres across the state, is scattered with relics from years gone by. And while the days of single or dual-bowser roadside petrol stations are long gone, their potentially hazardous underground tanks, located on public road reserves, are a target for the recently acquired grant funding.
Five sites containing a total of 11 tanks have been identified for removal and remediation, including two Wingham sites, and one in Taree, Coopernook and Tinonee. The first stage involving geotechnical mapping is currently underway and will provide detailed information relating to the exact location of each tank, and any underground services in the vicinity that should be taken into account at the time of removal.
“We’re excited to be working with the EPA on this project, who has acknowledged the potential for leaching of fuel and other chemicals into our environment. By removing the disused tanks and remediating the soil, we’ll alleviate the risk of any future damage to our waterways and wetlands”.Bruce Moore, senior leader regulatory services (Taree office) said.
The funding comes off the back of a successful trial undertaken in 2013 at the Central Garage site on Isabella Street in Wingham.
Tanks will be removed at 13-15 Isabella Street (three tanks) and 13-15 Farquar Street (four tanks) in Wingham, 33-55 Victoria Street Taree (one tank), 8 Manchester Street Tinonee (two tanks), and 23 Macquarie Street Coopernook (one tank).
Once mapping is complete, tender documentation will be prepared and a tender process undertaken to award the project contract. It is expected the work to remove all 11 tanks, and remediation of the sites, will be completed before the end of the year.
“We continually look for ways to maintain a healthy and sustainable natural environment, and this is another important step to achieving great outcomes for our current and future communities,” added Bruce.
Further information will be provided once a schedule of works has been developed, and residents in proximity to the targeted sites will be kept updated as this project kicks off.
This project is possible through the initiative of the NSW Environmental Trust.