Current Situation
Hydrocarbon (fuel) contamination associated with the former Service Station at 44 Tasman Highway, Orford was detected below the ground surface in some places along a section of the Prosser River foreshore known as Radar Beach (see map).
Map showing the area of foreshore on the Prosser River, known as Radar Beach, that may be affected by contamination.
Investigation and clean-up of the contamination is being regulated by the EPA by way of a Remediation Notice under Section 74F of the
Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
This Remediation Notice may be viewed through the Regulated Premises layer on the Tasmanian Government LISTMap website. Click on the icon located on the map at
44 Tasman Highway Orford.
A report received by the EPA (dated 28 April 2020) concludes that contaminant concentrations decrease significantly within 10 metres of the former shoreline. This is due to biological breakdown of the petrol contamination. The likelihood of a health risk arising to recreational users of the sandy foreshore is considered to be low and there does not appear to be a risk to ecological receptors in Prosser Bay. To provide additional assurance regarding a limited area near the public walkway the EPA has requested a further report on the investigation of the fuel pollution to be provided. The EPA will provide an update when this report is received.
As a precaution the EPA advises users of Radar Beach not to dig in the sand and the current warning signage will remain in place until the additional sampling is completed. Other beach uses are not affected by the fuel contamination. For further information regarding recreational swimming areas in Orford please visit the Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council website.