Page 1579 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 2 June 2021
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The planned works commenced in June 2020, and they were on track for completion in around March this year. However, in January this year dust containing lead particles was found at the depot. The first, and the most important, thing to say about this is that no-one working at the site has tested for lead exposure levels above the level deemed safe. It is also important that the background to the finding of lead dust is clear.
The heritage-listed depot was first used in the 1920s, with its current frame being constructed in the 1940s. An unfortunate legacy of building and construction in decades past is the use of lead paint. In addition, as a former transport depot, the building may well have been contaminated by lead petrol fumes. Prior to 1965, paint could contain up to 50 per cent lead content by weight. This reduced to one per cent in 1992, and 0.1 per cent in 1997.
The overwhelming likelihood is that the depot has contained lead dust for decades. Over time, lead paint can deteriorate and flake into dust. But what is crucial is that, left undisturbed, the lead dust in the depot would have been highly unlikely to pose a risk to stallholders or visitors to the markets. It was during the roof works—when the markets were closed to the general public and to stallholders—that the lead dust was disturbed. While none of the 28 workers tested had a reading above the safe threshold, fully cleaning and remediating is the best approach in this case now that the dust has been disturbed.
An environmental expert conducted an assessment of suspected lead dust at the depot on behalf of the building company on Monday, 1 February 2021. The scope consisted of the collection of representative dust samples from surfaces; assessment of potential health exposure risk; and preparation of a report summarising findings and providing recommendations. After receiving the report on Monday, 8 February, the directorate reviewed the document and updated the market operators on Wednesday, 10 February. The directorate then worked with them to prepare a letter informing stallholders that lead particulates had been found in dust samples, distributed on Thursday, 11 February. A media release was also issued on Thursday, 11 February, once stallholders had been informed. Since then, artsACT has been meeting regularly, most often weekly, with the market operators, and there have been several communications to all stallholders regarding the progress of the works.
In terms of the cleaning and remediation itself, in April this year a specialist cleaning contractor commenced work. Progressive clearance testing is being undertaken during each stage of work. This will inform the need for additional remediation activities which may be required in order to meet the adopted clearance thresholds. The specialist cleaning subcontractor workers undertake a blood test prior to commencing work at the Former Transport Depot and repeat the process at conclusion. Workers use personal protective equipment, including suits, respirators and gloves, while performing cleaning.
It is difficult to provide an exact completion date for the cleaning and remediation, because the extent of works in each area depends on test results returned after initial cleaning. However, current expectations are for completion in around July this year.
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