With the current redevelopment of Alberton Oval underway, Port Adelaide Football Club provides an update on the construction progress.
Alberton Oval Redevelopment Update
To facilitate the re-development of the eastern side of Alberton Oval, environmental soil investigations were undertaken to classify materials for off-site disposal or re-use in accordance with Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) requirements.
During these investigations, fill materials were encountered and classified as containing contaminated waste soils, warranting further assessment, remediation, or management.
The fill materials are contained within the raised terraces along the south-eastern side of Alberton Oval and are a legacy of historical industrial activities in the Port Adelaide region.
They are likely to have been imported during past construction works which occurred at a time when the movement of soils and other wastes were not as well understood, nor regulated in South Australia, which was common practice in the 1960’s.
Port Adelaide Chief Executive Matthew Richardson noted “that the experts we have engaged have advised that this type of fill waste is common with development works of this nature and when dealing with aged soils which have been retained and built up many years ago. It is disappointing and likely to push back the completion of the overall project a little, but it is important for all stakeholders that we deal with it in a professional and best practice manner.”
The contaminated soils have been contained beneath pavement and asphalt for decades and have posed no historical risk to users of the areas identified.
Extensive testing has been conducted, and the contaminated waste materials detected are stable and have not impacted the natural ground or the surrounding site.
Interim Management Plan
While the waste detected poses no risk to workers, staff, or nearby residents, as a precaution the impacted mounds were immediately sprayed with a dust suppressant and a site management plan has been developed in accordance with EPA requirements.
These actions ensure there are no unacceptable risks both on-site, and in the surrounding area, while the longer term clean up and disposal option is planned.
In early 2023, the long-term plan will be implemented and will involve the soil from the mounds placed under the foundations of the new building on the site, which will create a permanent barrier between the soil and site users to ensure that people are at no risk from the waste materials moving forward.
The EPA, the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and the City of Charles Sturt are aware of this remediation plan.
The site is being actively monitored over the break period, with regular on-site inspections and cameras in place, and a water cart being available to use on site if required. Construction works will re-commence on-site from Monday, 9 January 2023.
As both the club and the builder closely work through the remediation plan, the overall build timeline will be delayed by approximately 8 to 10 weeks.
As with most projects of this description where contaminated building waste has been found, Port Adelaide understands there may be interest and some concern from site users and the local community.
Community consultation, in accordance with EPA guidelines, is being undertaken to educate and inform relevant stakeholders of the nature and extent of the identified site contamination, and the assessment and remediation works being undertaken to safely redevelop the eastern side of Alberton Oval.
A detailed letter outlining these details has been provided to local residents, and anyone with any concerns or questions can contact ceo@pafc.com.au for further information.
