In a highly embarrassing development for the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, groundwater tests have confirmed elevated concentrations of nitrates, heavy metals and even perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
DWER has confirmed the tested area “is partially located within the southern portion of the Jandakot Underground Water Pollution Control Area.” It insists there’s no risk to public drinking water because the closest Water Corporation bore is more than 5.5 kilometres north of the impacted site and groundwater flow is in another direction.
There were concerns the area might have been irrigated with leachate from composting operations in previous years.
And last year stockpiles were moved from the composting area to the vineyard.
Throughout last year the regulator stated it was “closely monitoring the situation” and conducting regular inspections.
But the groundwater investigation found otherwise.
“This is consistent with Bio-Organics’ former acceptance of a variety of liquid wastes, such as sewage, organic sludge and industrial wash water,” it said.
Such a notice was issued to the company in October 2014 over alleged contamination of the composting area.
“Any type of contamination in the environment is undesirable,” he said.
“We also feel the Minister is soft-pedalling on the issue.” DWER clarified that several sites within the Jandakot drinking water catchment have been classified under the Contaminated Sites Act.