Tonsley and surrounding areas
The EPA is proposing to establish a groundwater prohibition area in Tonsley and portions of Clovelly Park, Mitchell Park and Marion. These suburbs have a proud manufacturing history, with some past chemical disposal and handling practices having contaminated the groundwater.
If contaminated groundwater is a risk to human health, the EPA has the ability under the Environment Protection Act 1993 to establish a groundwater prohibition area. The purpose is to protect both current and future landholders from accessing the contaminated groundwater.
The EPA is proposing to establish a groundwater prohibition area in Tonsley and portions of Clovelly Park, Mitchell Park and Marion. These suburbs have a proud manufacturing history, with some past chemical disposal and handling practices having contaminated the groundwater.
If contaminated groundwater is a risk to human health, the EPA has the ability under the Environment Protection Act 1993 to establish a groundwater prohibition area. The purpose is to protect both current and future landholders from accessing the contaminated groundwater.
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We value your input!
16 Nov 2020On 18 November 2020, the EPA wrote to residents in Tonsley and surrounding suburbs about the proposed establishment of a groundwater prohibition area.
The EPA has established groundwater prohibition areas in several areas of metropolitan Adelaide. Community engagement has informed their establishment, and in some instances has changed the depth and breadth of the prohibition.
The purpose is to protect both current and future landholders from accessing the contaminated groundwater.
Community engagement with the EPA is ongoing, and we encourage you to please get in contact with us during this time. We are especially keen to hear from existing bore users, whether your bore is registered or unregistered.
Reminder: Consultation closes 16 February 2021
We are available over the phone and online and encourage you to please call or email us, either during or outside of business hours.
- Phone: (08) 8204 2004
- Email: engage.epa@sa.gov.au
- On this site: interactive map, Q&A, 'How you would like to be engaged' poll, and register to stay informed
- Video conference or in person: please contact us to make arrangements
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Home grown veggies are safe - if watered with tap or rainwater
16 Nov 2020Rainwater and mains water (tap water) are not affected by groundwater contamination.
Home-grown fruit and vegetables are safe to consume, provided you are not watering them with bore water.
Sites that were formerly industrial may have further restrictions that you should be aware of. Please see the Form 1 Statement that was provided to you at the time of purchase, or contact the EPA if you would like to find out more information.
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Please do not use your bore water
16 Nov 2020Groundwater (bore water) in the upper 2 aquifers is contaminated and should not be used for any purpose. The depth of the known contamination extends from 0–25 m below ground level. Deeper aquifers used by schools and councils are not affected.
Health problems can occur if people come into contact with the contaminated water over a long period of time. The contamination presents a potential risk to human health if groundwater is utilised for drinking, showering, washing, filling swimming pools, watering lawns or irrigating edible produce.
Groundwater from bores in this area should also never be used to wash down paths or driveways, or even as grey water for toilet flushing. Preventing the extraction of contaminated groundwater is necessary to protect human health and prevent the spread of contamination.
Key Dates
Community Information Session
12 - 8:00pm
Living Kaurna Cultural Centre - Warriparinga Way (off Sturt Road) Bedford Park
30 November 2020
Community Information Session
12 - 8:00pm
Living Kaurna Cultural Centre - Warriparinga Way (off Sturt Road) Bedford Park
3 December 2020
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Assessment Process
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16 November 2020: community engagement commences
Tonsley and surrounding areas has finished this stage90-day community consultation commences. The EPA has written to all residents in the area and is keen to hear from anyone using a bore.
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30 November - 3 December 2020: community information sessions
Tonsley and surrounding areas has finished this stageTwo community information sessions were held at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre on Monday 30 November and Thursday 3 December, from 12–8 pm.
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November 2020 to February 2021: community interactions
Tonsley and surrounding areas is currently at this stageEPA staff are available to talk about any aspect of the proposal both during and outside of business hours by phone, email, interactive tools on this site, and in person.
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March 2021: decision outcome
this is an upcoming stage for Tonsley and surrounding areasThe EPA will write to residents advising on the final decision made and update the determination report.
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April 2021: community engagement report
this is an upcoming stage for Tonsley and surrounding areasThe EPA will collate all feedback received from the community during the 90 days and after the decision notification, and will publish a community engagement report.