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City of Fremantle engages environmental scientist for South Beach ANI site

THE remediation plan (ENV3) for the ANI site and South Beach sand dunes are to undergo an independent assessment by an environmental scientist, following a unanimous Council decision on Monday night.

Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri said the decision comes in the wake of concerns that have been raised about the remediation plan and possible risks posed to Fremantle residents who live near the area.

“The ANI site lies within the City of Cockburn, which is why we weren’t involved with the preliminary planning, but ultimately it’s an issue that affects Fremantle residents and beach users in the area, which is why we’re taking this step,” he said.

The disused ANI site has been earmarked for redevelopment but it is a contaminated site – approvals have been received for full remediation from the Departments of Environment and Health through a remediation management plan, known as ENV3.

“As the site is located south-west of a residential area within the City of Fremantle, residents in that area are concerned about airborne contaminants, such as lead, falling on their homes,” Mayor Tagliaferri said.

“They have requested the City of Fremantle ensures their homes and, more importantly, their health, are protected through any remediation works.

“An environmental scientist, independent of the Cities of Fremantle and Cockburn and the developer, will review the remediation plan, particularly focusing on any impacts on Fremantle residents attached to the development or within an acceptable radius from it.

“The scientist will also look at potential effects on the users of South Beach, Wilson park and the dog beach section in the areas south of the Fremantle boundary.

“At the same time, the Chief Executive Officer is also initiating discussions with the City of Cockburn about the possibility of remediating the sand dunes at the same time as the ANI site – and the environmental scientist will also complete an impact assessment on this.”

The independent assessment for both the ANI site and sand dunes – which has been given a budget of $10,000 – will be presented to Council before any remediation works begin.