PERTH’S drinking water catchment has been polluted by waste stockpiles right under the nose of the State’s environmental watchdog, which was “closely monitoring” activities at the Oakford site.
Groundwater tests have confirmed elevated concentrations of nitrates, heavy metals and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The tested area, 36km south of the city, is partly within the Jandakot Underground Water Pollution Control Area.
The regulator has already been castigated for its failure to monitor the business properly in the past.
The business received at least 87 million litres of unauthorised industrial liquid wastes — 76 million litres in 2011-2013 alone.
This was tipped on to compost and an unknown quantity seeped into the ground.
Bio-Organics had been licensed in 2002 to operate a composting facility, taking green waste only.
But, to the dismay of neighbours and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, it grew into a liquid waste dump, with locals complaining of putrid odours, nausea, headaches and burning eyes.
But the latest groundwater investigation found otherwise.
DWER is likely to classify the site as “possibly contaminated — investigation required” this month.