Soil contamination

The City of Port Phillip has a long industrial past, and has seen significant development during recent decades. Our swamplands have given way to housing, which means we are on sandy, quick-draining soils that are also prone to flooding in some areas. We also have a substantial amount of contaminated or degraded soil in backyards and public spaces.

Common contributors to soil contamination include:

• Decades-old industrial practices in the local area that mean many parts of the City have soils that may be contaminated with chemicals, oils and other old waste products.
• Stormwater runoff that carries contaminants (including chemical and natural nutrients, toxins in herbicides and pesticides, and metals and hydrocarbons) from our driveways, roofs and gardens.
• Building rubble, demolition and construction waste, and sediments from renovations and new building.
• Substantial earthworks (such as excavation and adding basements) that can disturb and release historical industrial contamination that was previously contained.