INFORMATION REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT REPORTS
August 2007
VICTORIA’S AUDIT SYSTEM
An environmental audit system has operated in Victoria since 1989. The EnvironmentProtectionAct 1970 (the Act) provides for the appointment by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA Victoria) of environmental auditors and the conduct of independent, high quality and rigorous environmental audits.
An environmental audit is an assessment of the condition of the environment, or the nature and extent of harm (or risk of harm) posed by an industrial process or activity, waste, substance or noise. Environmental audit reports are prepared by EPAappointed environmental auditors who are highly qualified and skilled individuals.
Under the Act, the function of an environmental auditor is to conduct environmental audits and prepare environmental audit reports. Where an environmental audit is conducted to determine the condition of a site or its suitability for certain uses, an environmental auditor may issue either a certificate or statement of environmental audit.
A certificate indicates that the auditor is of the opinion that the site is suitable for any beneficial use defined in the Act, whilst a statement indicates that there is some restriction on the use of the site.
Any individual or organisation may engage appointed environmental auditors, who generally operate within the environmental consulting sector, to undertake environmental audits. The EPA administers the environmental audit system and ensures its ongoing integrity by assessing auditor applications and ensuring audits are independent and conducted with regard to guidelines issued by EPA.
AUDIT FILES STRUCTURE
Environmental audit reports are stored digitally by EPA in three parts: the audit report (part A), report appendices (part B) and, where applicable, the certificate or statement of environmental audit and an executive summary (part C). A report may be in colour and black-and-white formats. Generally, only blackand-white documents are text searchable.
Report executive summaries, findings and recommendations should be read and relied upon only in the context of the document as a whole, including any appendices and, where applicable, any certificate or statement of environmental audit.
AUDIT REPORT CURRENCY
Audit reports are based on the conditions encountered and information reviewed at the time of preparation and do not represent any changes that may have occurred since the date of completion. As it is not possible for an audit to present all data that could be of interest to all readers, consideration should be made to any appendices or referenced documentation for further information.
When information regarding the condition of a site changes from that at the time an audit report is issued, or where an administrative or computation error is identified, environmental audit reports, certificates and statements may be withdrawn or amended by an environmental auditor. Users are advised to check EPA’s website to ensure the currency of the audit document.
PDF SEARCHABILITY AND PRINTING
EPA Victoria can only certify the accuracy and correctness of the audit report and appendices as presented in the hardcopy format. EPA is not responsible for any issues that arise due to problems with PDF files or printing.
Except where PDF normal format is specified, PDF files are scanned and optical character recognised by machine only. Accordingly, while the images are consistent with the scanned original, the searchable hidden text may contain uncorrected recognition errors that can reduce search reliability. Therefore, keyword searches undertaken within the document may not retrieve all references to the queried text. This PDF has been created using the Adobe-approved method for generating Print Optimised Output. To assure proper results, proofs must be printed, rather than viewed on the screen.
This PDF is compatible with Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 4.0 or any later version which is downloadable free from Adobe’s Website, www.adobe.com
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information on Victoria’s environmental audit system, visit EPA’s website or contact EPA’s Environmental Audit Unit.
Web: www.epa.vic.gov.au/envaudit
Email: environmental.audit@epa.vic.gov.au
Environment Protection Act 1970
STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT
I, Nicholas Owen of Australian Environmental Auditors Pty Ltd, a person appointed by the Environment Protection Authority (‘the Authority’) under the Environment Protection Act 1970 (‘the Act’) as an environmental auditor for the purposes of the Act, having:
1. been requested by CDM Property Group Pty Ltd, the site owner, to issue a certificate of environmental audit in relation to the site located at 198 Noone Street, Clifton Hill comprising the land defined as Allotment 23 and Allotment 24, Section 48 of PP2796C (‘the site’) owned/occupied by CDM Property Group Pty Ltd
2. had regard to, among other things,
i. guidelines issued by the Authority for the purposes of Part IXD of the Act, ii. the beneficial uses that may be made of the site, and
iii. relevant State environment protection policies/industrial waste management policies, namely:
SEPP Waters
SEPP Prevention and Management of Contamination of Land
SEPP Ambient Air Quality
SEPP Air Quality Management
IWRG Environment Protection (Industrial Waste Resource) Regulations (2009) in making a total assessment of the nature and extent of any harm or detriment caused to, or the risk of any possible harm or detriment which may be caused to, any beneficial use made of the site by any industrial processes or activity, waste or substance (including any chemical substance), and
3. completed an environmental audit report in accordance with section 53X of the Act, a copy of which has been sent to the Authority and the relevant planning and responsible authority.
HEREBY STATE that I am of the opinion that
the site is suitable for the beneficial uses associated with
• Sensitive Use – Other
• Sensitive Use – High Density
• Commercial
• Industrial
Subject to the following conditions attached thereto:
1. The Site must be developed in accordance with the preliminary development plans for the proposed highdensity residential (refer to Appendix B of the environmental audit report), with no access to underlying soil permitted. Any substantive changes to the ground floor and overall design must be accepted by an environmental Auditor appointed under Part IXD of the Environment Protection Act 1970, and this acceptance advised in writing to EPA and the planning authority.
2. There are no basements included in the proposed preliminary development plans (refer to Appendix B of the environmental audit report). If a basement is incorporated in any proposed future development of the site, further assessment may be required. An environmental Auditor appointed under Part IVD of the Environment Protection Act 1970 (“the Act”) must be engaged to conduct and environmental audit of the site under Section 53X of the Act, to consider this use.
3. Any landscaped area or garden bed must be constructed and maintained with at least 0.5m thickness of clean fill material below the finished surface, which is demonstrated to be suitable for the site and
consistent with EPA Publication IWRG 621 (June 2009) - Soil Hazard Categorisation and Management (or subsequent publication) as ‘Fill Material’. Alternatively, plants must be established in above ground planter boxes using chemically tested ‘Fill Material’ suitable for the growth of plants.
4. Groundwater at the site is polluted. Groundwater must not be used for any beneficial use without prior testing and review of results by an Auditor (appointed under Part IXD of the Environment Protection Act 1970) to confirm its suitability for that use. It may be extracted for the purpose of environmental monitoring or remediation.
The condition of the site is detrimental or potentially detrimental to any (one or more) beneficial uses of the site. Accordingly, I have not issued a Certificate of Environmental Audit for the site in its current condition, the reasons for which are presented in the environmental audit report. The terms and conditions that need to be complied with before a Certificate of Environmental Audit may be issued are set out as follows:
• Any remnant soil impacts and aesthetically unsuitable material located on-site would need to be remediated and removed so that all potential beneficial uses of the land are restored.
• Groundwater pollution (sourced from off-site) would need to be cleaned up to restore all groundwater beneficial uses at the Site.
If a Certificate of Environmental Audit was required for this site, a further environmental audit of the site would be needed.
Other related information:
1. Groundwater at the site contains naturally elevated concentrations of metals (aluminium, boron, chromium [total], cobalt, and vanadium) and inorganics (TDS, alkalinity, chloride, sodium). The levels are considered typical of the natural groundwater quality surrounding the site and does not constitute pollution in accordance with clause 17(3)(B) of State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) (Waters) 2018.
2. Groundwater at the site contains elevated concentrations of nitrogen (total), arsenic, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc. The concentrations are considered to be associated with off-site regional sources of pollution. The pollution is not sourced from the site.
3. Groundwater must not be used for uses otherwise precluded by groundwater salinity or for any extractive use without the condition of the groundwater being tested by an appropriately qualified environmental consultant prior to be being utilised for extractive use. The Auditor is satisfied that groundwater at the site has been cleaned up to the extent practicable.
4. There is a recommendation for the site to be nominated as a Groundwater Quality Restricted Use Zone (GQRUZ) – refer to attached GQRUZ plan.
5. In accordance with Clause 58(4) of the SEPP (Waters) 2018, the EPA may require periodic reassessment of the practicability of the groundwater clean-up.
6. The existing groundwater monitoring bores GW1 to GW3 present at the site should be decommissioned within 12 months of cessation of use in accordance with the requirements of “Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia”, published by the Land and Water Biodiversity Committee (3rd edition, February 2012) (or subsequent publication).
7. Scattered pieces of brick, wood chips and ash (in B7 only) have been reported on the site. Minor occurrences may remain within the soil and be exposed during excavation works and development of the site.
8. Soil at the site contains naturally elevated concentrations of barium. The levels are considered typical of the natural soil quality in the region surrounding the site and do not constitute pollution or represent a health or ecological risk. Local natural plants and grasses and fauna are likely to be adapted to these background levels however there may be some impact on the development of some introduced plants, grasses and fauna.
9. No potential or actual asbestos containing materials were identified on the surface of the site or within the soil matrix during the soil investigation at the locations sampled. However, there is potential for unidentified asbestos fragments to be present at the site, given the demolition of previous buildings. If encountered during future development or use of the site, any fragments must be handled and disposed in accordance with the relevant regulations.
10. Some natural soil may contain organic odours at depths below 0.4 m at some locations on the site. This material is not considered to represent a health or ecological risk but may cause a noticeable odour if exposed during excavation works or development of the site.
11. Any soil material proposed to be removed from site and disposed off-site must be classified and managed in accordance with relevant statutory regulations and Environment Protection Authority guidelines.
12. Not all land uses for which the land is considered suitable by this audit may be allowed under the existing zoning of the Yarra City Council.
13. In accordance with Section 53ZE of the Environment Protection Act 1970, the owner/occupier of the site must provide a copy of this Statement of Environmental Audit to any person who becomes or proposes to become an occupier of the site.
This Statement forms part of Environmental Audit Report (Australian Environmental Auditors Pty Ltd, Environmental Audit Report, 198 Noone Street, Clifton Hill, Victoria (AEA Reference: EA0685) dated 13 May 2020. Further details regarding the condition of the site may be found in the environmental audit report.
DATED 13 May 2020
Signed:
Nick Owen ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITOR
(Appointed Pursuant to the Environment Protection Act 1970)
Environmental Audit Report (53X)
198 Noone Street, Clifton Hill, Victoria
Executive Summary
This report is in response to a request for a Certificate of Environmental Audit in accordance with Part IXD of the Environment Protection Act 1970. In accordance with EPA Publication 1147, summary information on this Audit is presented in the following two tables.
Table 1: Summary of Environmental Audit Information
Item
Auditor Nick Owen
Auditor account number 75702
Auditor appointment end date 29 March 2019 – 28 March 2024
Audit type 53X
Date EPA notified of audit 09/12/2018
Audit service order number 8006020
Name of person requesting audit Mathew Thong
Relationship of person requesting audit to site Site owner
Name of premises owner Noone Street Pty Ltd
Date of auditor engagement 05/12/2018
Completion date of the audit 13 May 2020
Reason for audit The site is subject to an Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO).
Audit categorisation Risk
Environmental segments Air, land, groundwater, surface water
If the audit was required by an EPA notice, licence or other, please provide EPA service order number Not applicable
Current land use zoning
Mixed Use Zone – Schedule to the Mixed Use Zone (MUZ)
EPA Region Metro
Municipality City of Yarra
Dominant Lot on title plan
Crown Allotment 23 and 24, Section 48 of PP2796C
Certificate of Title: Volume: 04612 Folio 262
Additional Lot on title plan(s) Not applicable
Site/Premises name Not applicable
Building/complex sub-unit/Lot No. Not applicable
Street/Lot – Lower No. 198
Street/Lot – Upper No Not applicable
Street Name Noone
Street Type Street
Suburb
GIS
Site area (in square metres) 1400 m2 (approximate)
Plan of site/premises showing the audit site boundary attached
Plan of site premises showing the audit site boundary attached in a spatial data format
Members and categories of support team utilised
Further works or requirements
Nature and extent of continuing risk
Yes – refer Figure 1 of the Audit Report
No
Dr Jackie Wright of Environmental Risk Sciences Pty Ltd (EnRiskS) (Human Toxicology).
The site is suitable for the proposed high-density residential development, subject to the conditions detailed in the Statement of Environmental Audit.
Refer Section 11.7 of Audit report for Audit conclusions.
Based on the results of the intrusive soil, soil vapour, landfill gas and groundwater investigations undertaken at the site, the Auditor concludes that the current contaminant concentrations at the site are considered unlikely to pose a vapour risk to the beneficial use ‘Human Health’ for future occupants / users and construction/maintenance workers of the proposed high-density residential development.
It is the Auditor’s opinion that:
• The site is considered to be a non-source site for the reported pollution.
• Groundwater in the immediate vicinity of the site to the west, east and south east of the site is known to be polluted with similar contaminants at similar (or higher) concentrations.
• Remediation of groundwater at the site will have no medium or longterm effect on the groundwater quality or beneficial uses at the site and/or down hydraulic gradient of the site; and
• There are no likely or existing beneficial uses of groundwater at the site. The relevant beneficial uses required to be protected for Segment B groundwater are precluded by the reported groundwater impact at the site (being naturally occurring or regional pollution conditions).
Therefore, based on the above information:
• There is a recommendation for the site to be nominated as a GQRUZ;
• There is no recommendation for ongoing monitoring of groundwater at the site post completion of the Audit process and as such no GQMP has been provided; and
• There is no requirement for notification of off-site stakeholders.
Outcome of the audit Statement of Environmental Audit
Has EPA determined CUTEP at this site? No
Has the Auditor determined CUTEP at this site? Yes
Has a GQRUZ been identified at the site/beyond the site by EPA?
No
Does NAPL remain at the site? No
Please indicate which of the Protected Beneficial Uses of groundwater are precluded due to pollution
Protected Use
Water dependent ecosystems and species *
Potable Water Supply (desirable and acceptable).
Potable Mineral Water Supply
Agriculture and irrigation (Irrigation)
Agriculture and irrigation (Stock Watering)
Industrial and commercial
Water-based recreation (Primary Contact Recreation)
Traditional Owner cultural values
Cultural and spiritual values
Buildings and Structures
Geothermal properties
(*Not precluded at point of discharge)
Table 2: Physical Site Information
Item
Historical land use
Detail
The site was formerly used for industrial manufacturing purposes since the early 1900s. The site was listed as shoe / boot manufacturing from as early as 1924 to approximately 1955. From 1955 to 1980, the site was used for storage purposes (including a machinery store), however rate books mentioned manufacturing and a building described as a brick factory was present on-site between 1945 to 1980. During that period, the site was occupied by a building in the south, a shed along the northeast boundary and a garage in the northwest.
The site was demolished and re-developed in the late 1980s, with the main building (described as a warehouse) constructed in the north of the site. The main identified occupier was Ice Cream Systems, a supplier of commercial refrigerators and drink dispensing equipment, who appears to have operated at the site until sometime in the 2010s. The site was operating as a furniture distribution facility during the audit period.
The historical use of the surrounding land was predominately commercial and industrial with manufacturing dominating the properties immediately surrounding the site. A tannery / dyeworks was located to the east and south of the site, operating from the early 1900s.
A number of former quarries were identified within 500 m from the site.
Current land use
Proposed future use
Surrounding land use:
North
East
South
West
Proposed land use zoning
Furniture distribution facility
The site is proposed to be developed for high-density residential and comprises four levels of high-density residential apartments with a rooftop entertainment space and ground level car parking. There is no basement proposed as part of the development.
The development will cover the entire site extent, with only minor vegetation proposed along the Noone Street boundary. It is noted that all vegetation is proposed above the concrete slab (i.e. planter boxes).
In accordance with Appendix 4 of the Auditor Guidelines (EPA Publication 759.3, 2015), the proposed development is classified as high-density residential land use.
High density residential development
High density residential development
High density residential development
High density residential development
Mixed Use Zone (MUZ)
Nearest surface water receptor – name Merri Creek
Nearest surface water receptor – distance (m) Approximately 170 m
Nearest surface water receptor – direction South east
Likely point of groundwater discharge
Site aquifer formation
The regional groundwater flow was likely to be in an east to southeast direction towards Merri Creek and the Yarra River, consistent with the regional topography and general groundwater flow direction reported at several nearby completed Audit sites.
Newer Volcanics aquifer
Groundwater flow direction
Groundwater monitoring consistently reported a north-westerly component of local flow
Groundwater TDS range (mg/L) 1,300 mg/L to 1,700 mg/L
Groundwater Segment Segment B
Are there multiple aquifers impacted by pollution at the site? No
Perched groundwater depth – upper (mbgl) Not applicable
Perched groundwater depth – lower (mbgl) Not applicable
Regional groundwater depth – upper (mbgl) 5-10 metres
Regional groundwater depth – lower (mbgl) Not known
Number of bores within 2 km
There were 298 registered bores within a 2 km radius of the site. Of the 298 bores identified, 153 bores were listed for observation purposes, 83 were listed for groundwater investigation, five bores were listed for domestic or domestic/stock purposes. The use of the remaining 57 bores was not identified.
Closest extractive use (distance in m) Bore ID: WRK975335 and WRK981075 located 1380 m south for domestic and stock use
Zone of groundwater plume influence (m from site boundary) Not applicable
Year groundwater last monitored (at the site) 2019
Are electronic copies of Current Groundwater Analytical Results presented as a summary table attached?
Yes – refer to Table 34 and Appendix G of the Environmental Audit Report.
