About the Project
Last updated 20 August 2026
Why is the project required in Port Kembla?
In 2020, Port Kembla Copper (PKC) started investigating whether historical air emissions from the former copper smelter on Military Road could have contaminated surrounding areas of Port Kembla. A specialist environmental consulting firm called Senversa was engaged by PKC to complete these investigations. More than 1,100 soil and dust samples were collected from public open space areas and 32 select private properties. These samples were then analysed as part of the investigation.
The results of these investigations identified an approximate area of Port Kembla where historical smelter emissions could have contaminated soil, roof and indoor dust at residential properties and schools. The potentially affected area of Port Kembla is shown on this map. The main chemical contaminant is lead.
Public open space areas such as public parks, playgrounds and footpaths were not found to be contaminated.
The operation of the copper smelter by PKC did not cause the potential contamination of residential and school properties in Port Kembla. However, as the most recent owner and operator of the smelter, PKC took responsibility for the investigation and remediation (cleaning up of contamination).
PKC has now sold the former copper smelter site. Proceeds from the sale will fund ongoing investigations and remediation of residential and school properties in the area. More information about the sale can be found here: Latest News | PKC
What’s happening now?
Senversa, on behalf of PKC, prepared a testing plan to determine whether accessible soil, roof dust and indoor dust contamination from the smelter is present at the residential and school properties within the potentially affected areas of Port Kembla. This testing plan has been reviewed and approved by an independent expert NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)-accredited Site Auditor and also provided to NSW EPA and NSW Health for review and comment prior to implementation.
Since August 2024, Senversa, has been contacting owners and/or occupiers of potentially affected properties to seek consent for investigation and (if required) remediation of accessible smelter-contaminated soil and dust. The investigation and remediation are being completed under an Enforceable Undertaking (EU). The EU is a formal agreement with EPA to ensure the investigation and remediation work is completed by PKC. PKC entered in the EU voluntarily.
More information on the EU can be found here: Remediation of legacy smelter-related contamination in Port Kembla | EPA
How long will the investigation and remediation take?
Senversa will continue to seek access from occupants and owners of potentially affected properties to complete investigations. The remaining investigation works are expected approximately one year to complete. The time frame for remediation will depend on the number of properties found to have be contaminated by historical smelter emissions. However, remediation work is expected to take approximately two to three years to complete.
Investigation and remediation works and reports will be reviewed and approved by the independent expert EPA-accredited Site Auditor and reviewed by NSW EPA. PKC will continue to keep the community, NSW EPA, NSW Health and Wollongong City Council updated during the investigation and remediation program.
Who is paying for the investigation and remediation?
The investigation and remediation of accessible areas of potentially affected properties are being provided by PKC free of charge. The works are being funded by the recent sale of the former smelter property on Military Road.
Further information on the recent sale completion is available on the Latest News page.