Underground fuel tanks removed

26 June 2018

Work is under way to remove a number of underground fuel tanks in the Northcourt area alongside March Street.

Work began today (Tuesday).

The site was part of an early works depot. Many parts of Orange have had many different uses over the years. Another section of this site next to alongside Peisley Street was the local swimming pool.

As part of some preliminary work for the possible site of the new conservatorium, some site investigation was conducted. A consultant using ground penetrating radar confirmed the location of four underground tanks.

The tanks were estimated to be more than a metre under the ground.

Contractors removed the four tanks by the close of business today. Weather permitting the excavation is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

The soil will be tested by consultants to see if any contamination has happened. Any contaminated soil will be removed from the site and replaced with fresh soil, before it’s replanted. It’s expected the project will cost around $30,000.

The council has timed the work to keep inconvenience to the community to a minimum. Events such as the Farmers’ Markets usually move to the showground at this time of year. There are no other events at the site until mid-August.