Council and EPA work together to investigate management options for Foxglove Oval
Council has been working closely with the NSW EPA since March 2019 to fully investigate management options for Foxglove Oval. Foxglove Oval is a former landfill site that has been closed for nearly 40 years.
Council has been working closely with the NSW EPA since March 2019 to fully investigate management options for Foxglove Oval. Foxglove Oval is a former landfill site that has been closed for nearly 40 years.
Previous monitoring found levels of methane and carbon dioxide in below-ground monitoring wells above NSW EPA guidance values in several locations close to the perimeter of the oval. Testing to date has confirmed that these levels do not pose any unacceptable risk to either neighbours or sports field users. Although the gases are present, this is consistent with Foxglove Oval’s former use as a landfill site.
Foxglove Oval remains safe for people to use.
The main component of landfill gas is methane, which is non-toxic and only dangerous in confined spaces.
In consultation with Council, the EPA has declared the site as significantly contaminated land and is helping Council investigate options for its ongoing management. This is the next step that will enable the NSW EPA to receive and approve a Voluntary Management Proposal from Council for Foxglove Oval’s ongoing management.
“Our top priority is to make absolutely certain there is no unacceptable current or ongoing risk to anybody.” Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock said
The EPA has advised that whilst the initial air monitoring of adjoining properties showed no risk, further testing is required for confirmation, and to delineate the extent of the landfilled area and the migration of gases.
Council will hold community information sessions at Foxglove Oval on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 February from 4:30pm to 7pm to meet face to face with local residents and will continue to communicate directly with residents and sporting groups.
“I would like to thank the local community for their assistance with this work, and for their patience as we work closely with the EPA to identify options for the ongoing management of Foxglove Oval.” Mayor Ruddock said.
“It is too soon to speculate on exactly what further management will be required, but we will continue to engage with our community as we move forward.”
“In the meantime, I would like to reiterate there is no known risk to our local residents and to sporting field users. All activities can continue as normal.”
Further information is available on Councils website: https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/foxglove.
