No PCB contamination found in samples from Welshpool bores

5/2/95

Groundwater samples taken from residential bores near the Welshpool Stephenson and Ward incinerator have shown no contamination with PCBs or petroleum hydrocarbons.

Environment Minister Kevin Minson said the testing had shown that ground water contamination with PCBs was confined to the vicinity of the incinerator site.

"Residents near the incinerator were invited to provide bore samples from their properties to be tested," Mr Minson said.

"Five samples north of the incinerator and 27 samples from homes south of the incinerator were analysed by the Chemistry Centre of Western Australia.

"Out of all the tested samples only one, from an industrial site, showed contamination with industrial pollutants."

Mr Minson said this site was being investigated by Department of Environmental Protection inspectors and the contamination was not related to the Stephenson and Ward incinerator.

"One of the residential bores had insignificant levels of a type of chemical found in vinyl flooring and food packaging, but it is thought this may be due to sample contamination during the testing," he said.

Mr Minson said the test for PCBs were sensitive down to 0.02 micrograms per litre.

The tests were conducted as a result of previous sampling which showed contamination of soil and groundwater directly under the incinerator site.

Mr Minson said each resident would be contacted by the department with the results of their bore samples.

Mr Minson said the clean-up of the Stephenson and Ward site would continue under the supervision of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy  321 2222 or 222 9595