Draft Report Delayed

Independent peer reviewers and government experts say there are potential scientific problems with the Draft Interim Separation Zone Report on Sydney's former coke ovens site. The reviewers question the application of some of the mathematical and scientific models used in the study by AGRA Earth & Environmental.

Government partners, Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (the project management consultant), and AGRA all agree that these issues must be resolved before the final report is released.

The revised report is expected to be ready for public consultation in August. Already, there is a concerted effort underway to meet the target date. AGRA has agreed to bring new experts and resources to the project to ensure the peer reviewers' comments are addressed. The project management consultant will work closely with AGRA to ensure the final draft report meets acceptable standards and timelines.

Government partners and the consultant say they are disappointed by the delay, but felt this decision had to be made in order to get the best possible scientific report on this important issue. Such a rigorous scientific approach is important for the health and safety of people in Sydney.

In spite of the delay of this report, government partners say the schedule for demolition activities will not be affected. In the meantime, other projects are proceeding. The phase II/III environmental site assessment work should begin next month, with extensive soil sampling and drilling. In addition, the process to obtain expressions of interest from companies to conduct technology demonstrations should follow shortly after.

The Interim Separation Zones project is examining nine potential demolition and removal projects on the former coke ovens site. The goal is to develop criteria that can be used to define interim separation zones to protect the health and safety of nearby residents during demolition and removal activities.