Telstra Exchange – UST Contamination Investigation

Raw Earth Environmental was engaged to conduct a comprehensive Underground Storage Tank (UST) contamination investigation at Telstra Exchange sites in Sans Souci and Lidcombe, Sydney, NSW, aiming to assess contamination levels, evaluate environmental and health risks, and develop remediation strategies for UST decommissioning.

Description of Services

Raw Earth Environmental provided a range of services to support the investigation and remediation planning, including:

A) Site Assessment and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey

Collaborated with a professional service locator subcontractor to perform a clearance assessment using GPR technology. This survey identified the size and quantity of USTs, informing the development of a targeted sampling plan.

B) Soil Sampling and Analysis

Collected soil samples from strategic locations around the USTs, encompassing the entire soil profile. These samples were analyzed for contaminants of potential concern (CoPCs), including petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds.

C) Remediation and Decommissioning Recommendations

Based on analytical results, provided tailored recommendations for the remediation and decommissioning of USTs at both sites.

Specific Challenges

The Lidcombe Telstra Exchange presented a unique challenge due to the UST being located beneath a substantial concrete slab with a 4.0-meter height restriction. To overcome this, Raw Earth coordinated with a specialized subcontractor capable of executing a drilling program within the confined space, ensuring minimal site disruption and maintaining safety standards.

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