BACKGROUND
EnviroScience Solutions was engaged to conduct indicative soil sampling along a rail corridor in the Central West of New South Wales to identify potential areas of contamination prior to removal and subsequent disposal of the soil.
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SOLUTION
EnviroScience Solutions was engaged to conduct indicative soil sampling along a rail corridor in the Central West of New South Wales to identify potential areas of contamination prior to removal and subsequent disposal of the soil.
The exact history of the verge soil along the rail corridor was unknown, except that the deposits appeared following rain events and the subsequent flood. Based on industrial activities in the catchment area, the site was identified as potentially containing contaminants.
A visual inspection of the sample location found a silty residue, with seven samples taken from the rail corridor. Samples for TRH, BTEXN, PAH and heavy metal analysis were collected in laboratory supplied clean glass jars, while the soils were couriered to NATA accredited laboratories for analysis.
Analysis at each sample location for heavy metals, PCBs, PAH’s and total recoverable hydrocarbons were found to be below the detection limit, or below the threshold, for General Solid Waste.
OUTCOME
EnviroScience recommended further investigation may be warranted if soil is to be removed and disposed of from any other location outside the parameters of the rail corridor, while any further investigations should be completed in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines (EPA, 2014).
Based on the analysis undertaken, the rail corridor soil material was found to fit the requirements for General Solid Waste and could be disposed of accordingly.
