Legacy contamination in Port Kembla and Wollongong LGA
The Wollongong LGA, and particularly the suburb of Port Kembla, has a strong industrial heritage. The presence of lead and other heavy metals in the area stems from a range of historic industrial sources, including Port Kembla’s copper smelter and refinery, and is well documented.
Background
In response to community concerns about legacy contamination in the Wollongong LGA, the NSW EPA has previously worked with NSW Health and Wollongong City Council as part of the Lead and Other Heavy Metal Contaminants Working Group.
The group was first established in 2015 to understand what had already been done – and what future actions were required – to further address heavy metal contamination in the Wollongong Local Government Area, particularly where human health risks had been previously identified.
The working group, led by the NSW EPA, commissioned a literature review to bring together previous studies on the presence of lead and other heavy metals in the region. This review was made public in 2021.
Literature Review and response
The 2021 Literature Review summarised previous studies into the presence of lead and other heavy metals in the Wollongong region. It included information about studies on lead in soils, roof dust, air quality, as well as in blood.
The report identified that lead, and possibly cadmium, were present in soil at residential properties in Port Kembla at levels that potentially warranted further consideration.
The presence of heavy metals including lead, cadmium, copper and arsenic in house (roof) dust was also reported. Levels were found to vary depending on the age, location and construction of the house. The highest levels were typically reported to be within 1 kilometre of the former Military Road copper smelter site in Port Kembla.
View the Literature Review report (PDF 3MB).
At the time, two recommendations were made to understand the overall health risk to the community of Port Kembla. The first recommendation related to further testing of cadmium in soils. The second recommendation related to the development of a methodology to test indoor dust to help inform a model to predict blood lead levels in children and dose calculations for arsenic and cadmium.
In response to the review’s recommendations, the EPA undertook soil testing to address identified data gaps. The testing found that the measured concentrations of heavy metals in surface soils in public open spaces, verges and community gardens were below the relevant health guideline values.
The EPA also offered voluntary soil testing to residents to complement other local studies and help the community understand the risk of exposure from heavy metals, including lead and cadmium.
In March and April 2022, the EPA undertook further soil testing at 33 residential properties in Port Kembla. The results for this testing were provided directly to residents, along with information about living safely with lead and heavy metals. While these results will not be made public, the general findings have been incorporated into the report.
View a report on the findings of the EPA’s soil testing in Port Kembla.
In regard to the second recommendation, NSW Health’s preferred approach is to use existing blood lead level surveillance programs to determine health risk exposure.
Ongoing EPA soil testing for Port Kembla residents
The EPA continues to offer free testing on a voluntary, opt-in basis to owners and occupiers of private land in Port Kembla with concerns about heavy metal levels at their residences.
This soil testing is offered to check heavy metal levels in surface soils, understand the potential exposure risk, and help keep the community informed. It does not include roof dust.
Members of the community interested in participating in EPA’s residential soil testing should email [email protected] that you would like to participate. We can provide further information regarding the proposed soil testing and answers to questions commonly asked about the testing. Please note this includes the need to complete a consent form.
More information
Across NSW, lead remains a significant legacy in the community. The extensive use of leaded petrol and lead-based paints in the past, along with historical lead-emitting industrial activities, has resulted in the widespread distribution of lead in the environment.
Despite this, many communities have implemented simple and effective ways to help live safely with lead in their surroundings.
Find out about the risks associated with lead and heavy metal exposure. For practical steps and important health advice:
- find out about lead safety and how to avoid exposure
- see information lead exposure in children from NSW Health.
Read these factsheets: