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Certain activities are designated as notifiable activities, which means they require regulation to operate legally. These activities encompass a wide range of operations, including large-scale industries such as chemical manufacturing, oil and gas processing, waste disposal, power stations, timber and paper mills, among others.

 

However, it is important to note that even smaller businesses like dry cleaners, mechanics, spray painters, and other similar establishments that handle or work with hazardous substances can also fall under this category.

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To streamline the assessment process, Land Insight has compiled a comprehensive list known as potentially contaminating activities (PCA). This compilation encompasses a diverse range of activities, businesses, industries, and land uses that have the potential to cause land contamination. Examples of PCAs include service stations, cattle dips, tanneries, wood treatment sites, landfills, fuel storage facilities, and more.

 

For each of the PCAs mapped by Land Insight, a detailed explanation is provided to enhance understanding and facilitate the assessment process. This comprehensive mapping allows for a systematic evaluation of the potential sources of contamination and assists in determining the extent and nature of the environmental risks associated with the land in question.

A B C D E F G H I L M O P R S T W

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(A)

Abattoirs

Large volumes of liquid waste is produced at abattoirs, resulting in wastewater that requires appropriate treatment, storage, and disposal. Boilers used at various stages during animal processing are a source of hazardous air pollutants.Used to heat water for abattoir cleaning and steam production for cooling waste material in the rendering plant, boilers emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to chemicals associated with abattoirs may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

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Abrasive Blasting

In addition to noise and dust impacts, abrasive blasting commonly uses hazardous chemicals and other materials such as lead, paint and silica.The storage, use and handling of hazardous chemicals especially in outdoor areas may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Agriculture / Horticulture

Soil of agricultural and horticultural lands may be contaminated due to the use of a variety of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals associated with crop production and animal husbandry.Contamination in these areas is mainly associated with intensive agriculture and horticulture such as banana plantations, cotton growing areas, orchards and livestock dipping baths.Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture and horticulture can be grouped into two broad categories: organic (e.g., organochlorines and organophosphates) and inorganic (e.g. arsenical and mercurial compounds).Although several agricultural and horticultural chemicals that have been used in the past have since been banned, such as arsenic and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, commonly known as DDT, due to their persistence they may still be present in the environment. In addition to the use of pesticides and herbicides, the application of fertilisers and the production of animal waste can result in increased nutrient loads (e.g., nitrogen, ammonia and phosphorus) being released to the environment as a result of agricultural and horticultural activities. Exposure to chemicals associated with agriculture and horticulture may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Airports

There are several commercial/industrial activities that occur at airports which could result in the release of contaminants to the environment, including: the storage of hazardous materials and chemicals, fuel storage/distribution and use of firefighting equipment and foams, which historically (or currently) contain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (commonly referred to as PFAS). Most land within airport precincts undergoes extensive modification, including landfilling and topography levelling. Airport activities can have an impact on the environment, and, in some cases, could potentially cause significant harm to the environment and human health, these impacts are required to be managed.

 

Asbestos

Asbestos contaminated soil is one of the most common types of soil contamination in Australia due to its widespread use as a building product. Asbestos may be present at a range of residential and commercial properties, or other sites due to buildings that contained asbestos which were not demolished or disposed of properly, the illegal dumping of asbestos containing material, or due to asbestos contaminated soil being used as a topsoil or fill material. Exposure asbestos may present a risk to human health that is required to be managed.

 

Asphalt or Bitumen

Bitumen or asphalt are produced by refining crude oil. Once refined, bitumen may be mixed or prepared with binders, emulsifiers, polymers, and colouring agents to create a range of products. Emissions and discharges from bitumen manufacturing may include noise from operations and vehicles, odour emissions from volatile organic compounds and contaminated storm water. Petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals are major contaminants associated with the manufacturing of asphalt or bitumen. Exposure to chemicals associated with the manufacturing of asphalt and bitumen may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

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(B)

Breweries/ Distilleries

Breweries and distilleries are potential sources of contamination at sites where they occur.  Contaminants such as alcohol (e.g. ethanol and methanol), nutrients (e.g. nitrogen and phosphorus) and organic matter may leach into the environment from production processes and disposal of waste materials from production processes.  Exposure to chemicals associated with breweries and distilleries may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Brickworks

The use and storage of oil and fuel for machinery and brick kilns are sources of contamination at sites of former or current brickworks.  Contaminants associated with brickworks and kilns include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total recoverable hydrocarbons (TRH) and heavy metals (most notably lead).  Exposure to chemicals associated with brickworks may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

(C)

Chemicals- Handling and Storage

Spills and leaks associated with the manufacturing, storage, transfer and handling of chemicals in a variety of settings, including agricultural, urban, commercial and industrial settings may result in the migration of chemicals into soil, surface and ground waters, and air.  Exposure to associated chemicals may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

(D)

Depots and Storage Yards

Stored materials including chemicals, plant, machinery and equipment, at depots and storage yards have the potential to leak from compromised storage vessels and contaminate land, and surface and ground waters at the site, and potentially migrate to surrounding areas.  The type and level of contamination that may be present depend on what was stored, the magnitude of the leak or spill, and the existing management controls (e.g. bunds).  Exposure to chemicals associated with depots and storage yards may present a risk to human health and the environment, that is required to be managed.

 

Dredge Soil Disposal or Storage

Dredging is the process of removing accumulated sediment in waterways, for example in ports which account for the majority of dredging activity and disposal.  The presence of contaminants in dredge material depends on its origin.  Dredge material collected from highly urbanised or industrial areas is more likely to contain higher levels of contamination e.g. heavy metals and organic compounds, compared to dredge material from remote areas.  Contamination may occur at sites where dredge material is stored or disposed of.  Exposure to dredge soil may present a risk to human health and the environment, that is required to be managed.

 

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning operations predominately use the chemical tetrachloroethene, commonly known as PCE, as part of routine operations, in addition to a range of other hazardous and flammable chemicals.  Incorrect storage and disposal of these chemicals, in addition to the disposal of wastewater, may result in contamination of soil and groundwater which have the potential to present a risk to human health and the environment.  As PCE is a dense non-aqueous chemical, contaminant plumes can present significant challenges to remediate and manage. 

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(F)

Fill or Soil Importation

Today, fill and imported soil is rigorously tested for contamination and strict guidelines exist to prevent contamination from fill and imported soils.  However, these guidelines have not always existed and there may be contamination present in areas which have been subjected to fill or imported soils in the past.  Potential contaminants vary depending on the origin of the fill (commonly known as the source site) and the associated land uses which have occurred at the source site.  Understanding the source site is therefore critical in the understanding of the potential risks to human health and the environment in association with imported fill or soil.

 

Fire and Rescue

A range of fuels and chemical suppressants are routinely applied in association with fire and rescue activities, including training activities.  As a result of storage, handling and application of these chemicals during training and incident response, areas of land are commonly impacted with chemical suppressants.  Of particular note, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (commonly referred to as PFAS) were added to some types of fire-fighting foam to improve the foam’s ability to smother fires.  The toxicity, mobility, persistence and bioaccumulation potential of PFAS pose potential concerns for human health and the environment, that is required to be managed.

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(G)

Gasworks

Former gasworks often leave a legacy of soil and groundwater contamination.  The major contaminants in these instances include tars, oils, hydrocarbon sludges, spent oxide wastes, ash and ammoniacal recovery wastes.  Some of these contaminants are carcinogenic to humans and toxic to aquatic ecosystems and therefore may pose a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Gun, pistol or rifle range

The use of firearms at shooting ranges poses significant risk of contamination to the land in which they have historically or are currently situated, and surrounding areas.  Traditional ammunition contains a wide range of metals, most notably lead.  Clay targets used at shooting ranges may also contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).  Ammunition and clay targets that have been released at shooting ranges leach these contaminants into the soil, ground and surface waters, which can potentially migrate to surrounding areas.  Explosives may also be present at shooting ranges.  Exposure to chemicals associated with gun, pistol or rifle ranges may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

(H)

Hazardous Material 

A wide range of commercial and industrial facilities handle, store and transfer hazardous materials as part of day-to-day operations.  Hazardous materials, including radio-active material, can present a risk to human health and the environment even in small quantities. 

 

Historic Incident Site

Locations of historic incidents can present source areas of contamination which result in discreet or widespread distribution of contaminants in the environment.  Incidents such as accidental release of chemicals to the environment, crash sites, and fire events, can have significant short-term and long-term impacts on human health and the environment, as a result of either the incident itself, or as a result of the method used to contain the initial event (e.g. application of fire fighting foams containing PFAS).  Although often not documented on land use planning maps, historical records including newspapers, and anecdotal evidence should be considered when assessing the potential for historical incidents to have occurred at a Site.  Exposure to chemicals associated with historic incidents may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

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(I)

Industrial Facilities

Abrasive blasting: In addition to noise and dust impacts, abrasive blasting commonly uses hazardous chemicals and other materials such as lead, paint and silica.  The storage, use and handling of hazardous chemicals especially in outdoor areas may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Industrial Facility- Iron and Steel

The main types of industrial facilities involved in iron and steel manufacturing include sintering plants, blast furnaces and steel works, direct reduction plants, ferroalloy production, rolling, scarfing, pickling, iron and steel foundry and other technologies such as argon- oxygen decarburization, ladle metallurgy vacuum degassing and coking plants.  These industrial facilities are sources of a number of environmental contaminants including air emissions, heavy metals, organic matter, hydrocarbons, organic and inorganic pollutants, salts and oil and grease residues.  Exposure to chemicals associated with iron and steel industrial facilities may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Industrial Facility- Other

Industrial facilities generally use or produce hazardous chemicals associated with a wide range of processing and manufacturing operations.  Industrial facilities, store, handle and transfer chemicals and fuel in association with plant operations.  Boiler or kilns, machinery and plant, emissions stacks and process operations which generate waste streams, may present point sources of contamination including soil, water and air emissions.  Exposure to chemicals associated with industrial facilities may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Industrial Facility - Spray Painting Industries

Air emissions comprising volatile organic compounds and particulates are associated with the spray painting industry.  The industry requires the handling, storage and transfer of a range of paints and solvents as part of day-to-day operations.  Exposure to chemicals associated with spray painting industries may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

Industrial Facility- Textiles and Tannery

Effluent and waste released from textile and tannery industrial facilities can contain a large range of environmental contaminants that can leach into the surrounding environment.  These include metals, acids, alkalis, salts, hydrocarbons, pesticides, dyestuff residues, solvents, oil and grease and many other organic and inorganic contaminants.  Exposure to chemicals associated with textile and tannery industrial facilities may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Industrial Facilities- Timber and Furniture

Timber is often treated with a range of chemicals to treat and preserve the raw or final product.  The storage and application of chemicals at timber mills and other industrial facilities where timber is stored, including furniture manufacturing and repair sites, presents the potential for contamination of soil and groundwater.  Historically, many existing treated outdoor timbers were preserved with Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA).  Softwood such as radiata pine is treated with CCA to protect it from insects, rot and fungus. CCA can leach out of the timber over time. Residues such as arsenic, copper and chromium on the surface of the wood can be washed off by rain to accumulate in the soil or groundwater or can be released into the air in the event of a bushfire.  Exposure to chemicals associated with timber and furniture industrial facilities may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed..

 

Industrial Facility - Wool Scouring

The wool scouring process produces effluent waste that contains organic matter, nutrients, salts and chemical constituents.  Although the process generally uses water, organic solvents may also be used in the scouring process.  Where the produced effluent is not captured and disposed of appropriately the wool scouring process may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

(L)

Landfill

Current and historic landfills are widely present across the country.  Historic uncontrolled dumping and filling, may not be apparent or documented on Site records, and is often only identified as a result of intrusive works.  Understanding the site history, including the management controls, can inform the likelihood of landfilling to have occurred at a Site.  Landfills often contain a variety of contaminants, which may present a risks to soil, groundwater, surface water and air.  Historic landfills often pre-date current environmental practices and guidelines (i.e. remain unlined and uncapped) resulting in the potential for leaching of hazardous substances into waterways, production of odours, migration of landfill gas and stability issues.  Current and former landfills can present both acute and chronic risks to the environment and human health that is required to be managed.

 

(M)

Manufacturing- Asphalt or Bitumen

Bitumen or asphalt are produced by refining crude oil.  Once refined, bitumen may be mixed or prepared with binders, emulsifiers, polymers and colouring agents to create a range of products.  Emissions and discharges from bitumen manufacturing may include noise from operations and vehicles, odour emissions from volatile organic compounds and contaminated storm water.  Hydrocarbons and metals are considered to be major contaminants associated with the manufacturing of asphalt or bitumen.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the manufacturing of asphalt and bitumen may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Manufacturing- Batteries

Metals, most notably lead, and acids are used in the manufacture of batteries and are sources of contamination at and around battery manufacturing plants.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the manufacturing batteries may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Manufacturing- Cement, Concrete or Lime

Cement manufacturing plants are associated with significant sources of nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions and have been identified as the third largest industrial source of pollution.  Particulate matter emissions are also associated with the crushing and grinding of raw materials, handling and storage of solid fuels, transportation of materials and bagging activities in cement and lime manufacture.  Asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as ‘Fibro’, a mixture of asbestos and cement.  Asbestos was phased out in Australia in the 1980s and banned in 2003.  However, asbestos may be present at historical concrete manufacturing sites.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the manufacturing of cement, concrete or lime may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Manufacturing- Chemicals

The manufacture of chemicals refers to the production of any chemicals, including acid or alkali substances, adhesives, resins, dyes, explosives, fertilisers, flocculants, foams, pesticides, paints, pharmaceuticals, soaps, and detergents.  Contamination may occur to surrounding land at the site of chemical manufacture, and from the storge and disposal of waste products from the manufacturing process.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the manufacturing of chemicals may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Manufacturing- Compost

The processing of organic waste material into compost can deliver important environmental benefits, helping to recover and conserve resources and reduce the quantity of organics going to landfill.  However, commercial composting facilities generate a number of unwanted by- products, which provide a source of contamination at compost manufacturing plants and at waste disposal sites.  These by-products can contain excess nutrients (e.g. phosphorous and nitrogen) and metals, which if released may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

Manufacturing- Electrical or Electrical Components

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) used in the manufacture of transformers and capacitators, and solvents and heavy metals are common contaminants that arise from the manufacture or electrical components and items.  They may be released into the environment at the site of manufacture, and potentially migrate to soil, and surface and groundwaters in and around the site.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the manufacturing of electrical products or components may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Manufacturing- Fibreglass

Fibreglass is a reinforced plastic material composed of glass fibres embedded in a resin matrix.  Chemicals used in the manufacture of fibreglass, including solvents, resins and styrene can be released into the surrounding environment at the site of manufacture due to leaks, spills or from the disposal of waste materials and manufacturing by- products.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the manufacturing of fibreglass may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Manufacturing- Food

Food manufacturing facilities, including those which include the processes of smoking, drying and curing of meat, fish and other edible products, create and generate waste streams and bi-products that if not managed appropriately, may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

Manufacturing- Glass

The melting process in the manufacturing of glass releases a large number of emissions as a result of the decomposition of raw materials and burning of fuel for energy.  These emissions include sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and heavy metals, and can potentially contaminate soil, surface, and groundwater at and around glass manufacturing plants.  Other chemicals used in the manufacturing process may also be potential sources of contamination.  Exposure to chemicals and associated with the manufacturing of glass may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Manufacturing- Heavy Metals

The manufacturing of heavy metals, and manufacturing processes which require heavy metals, may result in contamination at and around heavy metal manufacturing sites.  Heavy metals have the potential to migrate in groundwater and surface water, and can accumulate in the food chain.  Exposure to heavy metals and other chemicals associated with the manufacturing of heavy metals may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Manufacturing- Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical products enter the environment at various stages of their lifecycle, but particularly during their manufacture.  The type of pharmaceutical product manufactured at a particular site indicates what type of contamination may be present in and around the site.  Solvents and carbamates are chemicals used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and are also sources of contamination at and around pharmaceutical manufacturing plants.   Exposure to chemicals associated with the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Manufacturing- Plastics

Metals, hydrocarbons, solvents, styrene, sulphates, and phthalate esters are used in the manufacture of plastics and are sources of contamination at and around plastic manufacturing plants.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the manufacturing of plastics may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Manufacturing- Rubber and Tyre

Metals, sulphur compounds, reactive monomers, acids, solvents, and hydrocarbons are used in the manufacture of rubber and tyres and are sources of contamination at and around rubber and tyre manufacturing plants.  Rubber tire manufacturers have been identified as major sources of hazardous air pollutant emissions.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the manufacturing of rubber and tyre may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Mechanical Workshops

Hydrocarbons, solvents, paints, and other chemicals are sources of contamination at mechanical workshops.  These substances may be spilled or leaked during the maintenance of vehicles and mechanical objects, or from storage tanks and can enter waterways or stormwater drains in and around the site and migrate into soil.  Air pollution, including odours, arise from the release of exhaust emissions and other chemicals at the site.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the mechanical workshops may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Military Facilities

Military practices at certain facilities may cause potential contamination through the use of chemicals ranging from cleaning solvents and paints to ammunition, explosives, and firefighting foam.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the military facilities may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

Mineral and Mining Industry

Mining activities significantly disrupt the soil geology and groundwater of mining sites and expose the surrounding environment to a range of contamination.  Explosives, chemical agents, and hydrocarbons used in mining activities are a significant source of contamination at mine sites.  The displacement of soil at mine sites can result in contamination of soil, groundwater and waterways of mine sites and surrounding areas.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the mineral and mining industry may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed.

 

(O)

Oil and Gas: The oil and gas industry comprises three segments: upstream (exploration and production companies), midstream (responsible for transportation from the wells to refineries), and downstream (responsible for refining and the sale of the finished products).  In association with the wide range of activities undertaken by each segment, the potential release of oil and gas into the environment presents a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

(P)

Port Operations

Port operations can lead to environmental impacts on air, water and land.  As an example open stockpiles of dry bulk cargo can be susceptible to wind-blown dust and contamination of adjacent properties. Ships periodically release sewage, wastewater and bilge water, which is wastewater that is often contaminated with oil.  Oil contamination can include chronic pollution from runoff, bilge water, and the loading and unloading of oil tankers, as well as larger spills resulting from overfilling or uncontrolled releases.  Most land within port precincts undergoes extensive modification, including landfilling and topography levelling.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the mineral and mining industry may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

Power Plants/ Stations

Along with legacy industrial practices such as uncontrolled landfilling, Coal burnt as part of the power generation process generates ash by products and are often stored in large storage dams or coal ash dumps. These are generally located very close to rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. Discharges of leachate or wastewater can contain toxic heavy metals and other pollutants that can contaminate groundwater, surface water, soil and air potentially affect human health and the environment.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the mineral and mining industry may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

Printing and Photography

Many of the chemicals used in the printing and photography industry are sources of environmental contamination when waste material from these processes is released into the environment.  Solvents used in printing can result in the release of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.  Other contaminants from printing and photography include acids, alkalis, alcohols, heavy metals and other organic and inorganic substances.  Exposure to chemicals associated with printing and photography may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

Pulp or Paper Works

The pulp and paper industry consist of facilities engaged in the production of pulp and/ or paper/ paper board and is a significant source of environmental pollution.  Effluent and solid waste from pulp and paper works may contain a variety of chemicals, including per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are used in the production and treatment of pulp, paper, and paper products.  These contaminants have potential to leach into the environment during the storage and disposal of effluent and solid waste materials.  A variety of volatile emissions are also released from production processes and from solid waste material.  Exposure to chemicals associated with pulp or paper works may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

(R)

Rail Industry and Associated Activities

Chemicals used in the rail industry and associated activities can result in chemical residues migrating into the environment along railway corridors.  Hydrocarbons from machine grease, fuel oils and transformer oils are major contaminants associated with rail ways and associated activities, along with heavy metals and asbestos.  Railway ties are usually treated with chemical such as creosote which may migrate into soil, surface water and groundwater.  Pesticides used in the maintenance of railways are also sources of environmental contamination.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the rail industry may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

Research and Laboratory Facilities

In association with activities undertaken at research and laboratory facilities, a range of chemicals may be produced, applied or measured, and the associated transport, storage, handling and disposal of these chemicals can result in the release of chemicals and other contaminants to the environment.  Exposure to chemicals associated with research and laboratory facilities may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

(S)

Service Stations / Petrol Stations

In association with the transport, storage and handling of petroleum products at service stations, petroleum products have the potential to be released into the environment.  Ongoing environmental monitoring around pipework and other associated infrastructure, including aboveground storage tanks (AST)and underground storage tanks (UST) is generally required.  Petroleum products can contaminate soil and/or groundwater and have the potential to migrate off-site.  Exposure to chemicals associated with service stations may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

Sewage and Waste - Water Transfer, Storage, Treatment or Disposal

Sewage and wastewater contain many types of contaminants from house- hold, urban and industrial sources, which may be released into the environment during transfer, storage, treatment or disposal.  Treated waste- water and biosolid products are often recycled, for example these products are commonly used as fertiliser on agricultural land as they are rich in nutrients.  However, these products can contain a number of environmental contaminants, including pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), flame retardants, PFAS (per & polyfluoroalkyl substances), personal care product additives and pharmaceuticals and heavy metals.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the transfer, storage, treatment or disposal of sewage and wastewater, may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

Smelting or Refining

Emissions from smelting and refining of metals can result in the deposition of metals to soil in the area surrounding the metal smelter.  Historic smelting activities are responsible for extensive soil contamination which persist in the environment today.  Contaminants from smelting and refining include metals, such as copper, tin, silver, gold, selenium, lead and aluminium, in addition to the chemicals used in association with the use of plant and machinery used during the industrial process.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the smelting and refining, may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

Substations/ Transformers

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were used in power generation and electrical transmission equipment commonly found in coolants and in the insulating fluids of electrical components.  Their presence in the environment poses a significant risk due to their resistance to environmental degradation.  PCBs have been linked to such health effects such as cancer, infant growth abnormalities and fertility problems.  Additionally, to the chemicals used in association with the use of plant and machinery used during the industrial process.  Exposure to chemicals associated with the substations and transformers, may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

UST and AST: Underground Storage Tanks (UST) and Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST) are routinely used to store a range of chemicals, including petroleum hydrocarbon products.  Pipework and other associated infrastructure which connect to the UST and AST have the potential to leak, resulting in chemical release to surrounding soil, surface water and ground water.  Exposure to chemicals associated with UST and AST, may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

 

(W)

Waste and Recycling Facilities

A waste facility is a premises used for the storage, treatment, processing, sorting or disposal of waste.  These include landfills, waste transfer stations and waste reprocessing facilities.  Waste facilities emit regulated substances to soil, air and water, such as leachate, landfill gases such as methane, and can produce odours, dust and noise.  Exposure to chemicals associated with waste and recycling facilities, may present a risk to human health and the environment that is required to be managed. 

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Land Insight quantifies and evaluates environmental risks to help communities, individuals and organisations to understand, prepare and better respond to disasters. 

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