- Published:
- Tuesday 16 August 2016
The Andrews Labor Government has welcomed a vital step forward for the Bendigo Groundwater Project which will protect the city and surrounding areas from uncontrolled discharges of groundwater.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville today announced an agreement had been reached between Coliban Water and GBM Gold Ltd that will drive the project towards a transitional groundwater solution.
It will address the groundwater issue for up to five years while a permanent solution is developed.
The agreement means Coliban Water can access GBM’s New Moon site in Eaglehawk and activate the plan for pre-treatment of groundwater – before it is piped to the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant in Epsom.
A selective tender process is underway for the water treatment works – while an advertised tender process for the installation of a pipeline and the design and construction of a brine storage lagoon in Epsom will begin shortly.
Naturally occurring groundwater within Bendigo’s network of disused and abandoned mines has been recovering to natural levels since mining ceased in 2011.
While the groundwater has elevated levels of salinity, arsenic, other heavy metals and hydrogen sulphide gas – it is being carefully managed and does not pose an immediate risk to the environment or community.
The water will be treated to remove contaminants and, if possible, reused or returned to the environment.
The Labor Government has put $27.4 million towards fixing the groundwater issue and ensure Bendigo’s popular Central Deborah tourist mine can keep operating.
Quote attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“The Bendigo community can have confidence that the Bendigo Groundwater Project is on track to fix the city’s groundwater problem.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“We’re working with the local community to find a solution to protect one of Victoria’s great regional cities.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“The agreement between Coliban Water and GBM Gold Ltd is a welcome step forward to make sure Bendigo and surrounding communities are free from the risks of groundwater.”