DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
CPA 054/09
Thursday, 19 March 2009
CHEMICAL MUNITIONS CASING FOUND TO BE HARMLESS
In early February 2009, the Department of Defence started remediation of a
contaminated site at Marrangaroo Army Depot near Lithgow, NSW as part of its
National Contamination Remediation Program.
Marrangaroo Army Depot is known to have been used as a reserve for chemical
munitions in World War II.
As part of continuing remediation works, excavations today discovered an old
munitions casing that was potentially filled with a chemical. The item has since been
confirmed to be empty of any chemical agent.
In accordance with the remediation project safety procedures, work was stopped while
the local community and emergency services were advised of the find.
Safety procedures included the NSW Police implementing a road cordon and inviting
residents to leave the area while the item was secured.
The specialist contractor undertaking the works inspected the casing inside a vapour
containment tent and confirmed that it was free of any chemical agent. Residents
were advised at the conclusion of the investigation that it was safe to return to their
homes.
Excavation work for the remediation program at Marrangaroo is scheduled to be
completed by the end of May 2009. It is possible that further munitions dating from
World War II may be uncovered.
Defence will continue to engage extensively with the Lithgow community, including
NSW Emergency Services, Lithgow Council and local residents.
Defence thanks the community for its ongoing support and patience, and apologises
for any inconvenience caused.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
