Publication

Bioremediation Technical Paper

Orica's original preferred remediation method for the CPWE was bioremediation. However, it became evident from the bioremediation treatment trials of the CPWE conducted by Environmental Biotechnology Cooperative Research Centre (EBCRC) between 2004 and 2006 (refer to bioremediation presentations given by EBCRC or Orica at Community Workshops), that technical issues and uncertainties as well as time constraints made bioremediation unfeasible  for the project. As a result, the pre-selected alternative remediation option, Directly-heated Thermal Desorption (DTD), was chosen as the treatment method for the CPWE remediation.

Bioremediation Technical Paper  (626 KB), issued in August 2006, provides further details of the challenges faced during bioremediation trials. Further information on the assessment of remediation options is provided in Chapter 3 of the Environmental Assessment.

While bioremediation is no longer being considered for the remediation of the CPWE, Orica continues to fund research by EBCRC and is hopeful that this technology will ultimately be able to be applied to the remediation of contaminated soil at Botany and, potentially, elsewhere. For updates on bioremediation research, please refer to the CPRC Briefing Papers.