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Groundwater contamination is a serious problem. The contaminating
chemical substances generally travel unnoticed until they are detected
in a groundwater well. Once contaminated, an aquifer can be difficult
and expensive to clean up; the chemical substances may persist for
many years.
Prevention of contamination is simpler and is much cheaper than
the clean up of an aquifer.
What can contaminate groundwater?
There is an endless list of chemical substances that can impact
on groundwater. The impacts range from an unpleasant taste to
imminent health hazards.
The main sources of groundwater contamination are:
- industrial waste
- gasworks
- landfills
- leaks from underground storage tanks
- agricultural chemicals.
Guidelines on contaminated groundwater
The EPA is in the process of developing guidelines for the clean
up and management of contaminated groundwater. These guidelines
will be implemented once site
contamination amendments to the Environment Protection Act,
1993 come into operation.
This page was last modified 16-12-2008
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