Groundwater wells will investigate extent of Pasminco's 'black slag'

Environment Minister Matt Kean and Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper today announced work is under way to install wells to investigate groundwater quality in areas around Lake Macquarie where black slag was historically dumped.

Mr Kean was in Lake Macquarie today with Mr Piper meeting local residents with the Boolaroo Action Group and Lake Macquarie City Council to discuss the impact of slag on water quality in the Lake Macquarie area.

“Installing the wells to understand the impacts is a key recommendation of the Lead Expert Working Group Report on managing residual lead contamination in North Lake Macquarie, and will help determine the steps we need to take to protect the community.

“The work is being funded from the $1.8 million allocated by the NSW Government to implement the recommendations of the Lead Expert Working Group.”

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said the investigation had strong local support.

“The installation of groundwater wells to better understand the impact of the Pasminco slag and resulting investigations has been endorsed by Lake Macquarie City Council and the Lead Community Reference Group for North Lake Macquarie.

“Council has been closely involved in this project, including approving the exact sites for the groundwater wells,” Mr Piper said.

The groundwater wells are being installed at known slag emplacement sites at the following locations:

• Warners Bay foreshore
• Marks Oval, Floraville
• Belmont Park, Belmont

Groundwater wells are also being installed for comparisons at a location on Nords Wharf foreshore where slag is not present.

“The public are welcome to call the NSW Environment Protection Authority on 131 555 for more information on the project. Results will be known after wells are sampled over the next 18 months,” Mr Kean said.