The funding has been provided to the Riverina And Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) — which represents 11 councils in southern NSW, including Edward River and Murray River councils — and the City of Wagga Wagga to enable a three-year project that will build upon work that began in 2014 under a separate contaminated land grant project.
It will allow participating councils to take on new regulatory responsibilities for the oversight of Underground Petroleum Storage Systems (UPPS).
These systems are usually found in service stations and other facilities that store petrochemicals underground, such as gasworks, railways yards, and heavy industries.
Underground storages can leak, presenting a risk of land and water contamination, but the funding agreement will give councils a greater ability to monitor and control such facilities, decreasing the risks to the community.
As part of the work, project officer Jessica Conner will visit the participating councils to gain knowledge of the processes they use to manage UPPS.
RAMJO executive officer Bridgett Leopold said Ms Conner’s technical knowledge of UPSS and contaminated land management would enable the councils to work cohesively in ensuring the project is a success.
“Jessica will use her expertise and knowledge to enhance the technical capacity of participating councils and to manage non-regulated contaminated sites and UPSS in regional NSW, as required by NSW legislation and guidelines,” Ms Leopold said.
“By liaising with the councils, Jessica will be able to source valuable information about the knowledge they gained from their participation in the contaminated land management framework that was developed with the grant funding in 2014.”
The project will be supported by the NSW EPA, which will provide guidance to the councils as the transfer of regulatory responsibility for these sites continues.
8°C