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Results from the Human Health Risk Assessment of the Rocherlea Industrial Area, commissioned by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Health, have been released showing there has been no evidence of harm to the community.
Results show that simple actions by people in and around the industrial area to remove dust from surfaces have been effective at preventing harm from lead in dust.
The risk assessment was commissioned after dust samples collected by the EPA in late 2023 from the Rocherlea Industrial Area had elevated levels of lead.
EPA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wes Ford, said that the EPA required two key dust control measures of Recycal Pty Ltd when the lead was detected.
“The Recycal scrap metal shredder and floc processing equipment have not been operating since February 2024 and the floc stockpiles were covered with a dust suppressant in May. These control measures remain in place today,” said Mr Ford.
The EPA and the Department of Health commissioned a study and provided precautionary health advice about lead safety to the community.
Specialist consultants GHD Pty Ltd, assisted by Elgin Associates Pty Ltd were appointed to conduct the comprehensive human health risk assessment of the Rocherlea Industrial Area.
The risk assessment examined the environmental contamination of metals, including lead, in dust, soil and air across the investigation area. Lead in dust was the main health concern.
Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Scott McKeown, said that the removal of accumulated dust and other dust control measures in place have resulted in low risk to people who live, attend school or work in or near the Rocherlea industrial area.
“Removing visible dust from surfaces removes the risk to human health,” said Dr McKeown.
“Dust can be removed by normal housekeeping cleaning practices, and this is recommended for both businesses and private homes or buildings.
“Cleaning is also important for outdoor areas and surfaces that are used regularly, for example tables and chairs.
“Air and soil testing did not find lead at concentrations that present a problem to health. It is also safe for residents to participate in outdoor activities such as recreation and gardening.
“Further, all blood tests from residents and workers from the area who do not work with lead were in the normal range.”
Mr Ford said the dust control measures that remain in place today mean the likelihood of dust moving off-site from Recycal is low.
“The intervention by the EPA to reduce dust emissions and ongoing management of dust emissions from the site will continue to be required to prevent health risks to people in the area occurring in the future,” he said.
The EPA and Public Health Services are visiting businesses in the area in the coming days to discuss the findings from the risk assessment. Letters will be provided to residents in the area with more information.
A summary report of the investigation is available on the Department of Health Tasmania website: www.health.tas.gov.au/rocherleaFAQ