Captains Flat contamination
The township of Captains Flat is located in close proximity to the legacy Lake George Mine, which carried out metalliferous mining from 1892 to 1962.
When in operation, the mine produced lead, zinc, copper, pyrite, silver and gold. Lake George Mine has been abandoned for nearly 60 years and now forms part of the NSW Government Legacy Mines Program. Previous testing has confirmed that large areas of Captains Flat have been impacted by historic mining activities and the practice of land filling using material from the mine.
Captains Flat Rail Corridor and Station Master’s Cottage
In September 2020, Transport for NSW notified the EPA under s60 of the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (CLM Act) of metal contamination, predominantly lead, in the rail corridor and former Station Masters Cottage at Captains Flat. Both areas were declared significantly contaminated in April 2021 (Declaration Number 20211105) for metal contaminants, including lead, arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel and zinc). A voluntary management proposal has been in place since September 2021 to manage these sites. Work to remediate these sites is ongoing and is being led by Transport for NSW.
Formore information, visit Transport for NSW: Captains Flat Contamination webpage.
Current remediation project at Lake George Mine
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) commenced work in November 2023 to improve safety and environmental outcomes at the Lake George Mine site.
The project involves reducing the risk of offsite contamination through airborne dust and surface erosion. The remediation works are required to prevent potential environmental and human health risks and to prevent potential harm to aquatic ecosystems and downstream users of the Molonglo River.
Work will be carried out in stages, with strict monitoring and controls in place to ensure public safety and minimise impact on the environment. DPIRD has been issued with an Environment Protection Licence (EPL 21721) by the EPA to treat contaminated soil as part of this project.
Throughout the work, the Lake George Mine site will be closed to the public. Remediation work is expected to be complete late 2026, weather permitting.
For more information, visit NSW Resources: Captains Flat (Lake George) Mine webpage.
Captains Flat Lead Management Plan Taskforce
The Captains Flat Lead Management Taskforce was convened in 2021 in response to the detection of elevated lead levels in the disused rail corridor adjacent to the former Lake George mine.
The Taskforce was established with members from local and state governments and developed a common set of priorities to create a rigorous and coordinated approach to lead management.
Since its commencement, the Taskforce has supported the relocation of the Captains Flat pre-school, provided funding for the remediation of the Foxlow Parklet, enabled mine site rehabilitation works and provided free soil sampling to the community.
The next phase of lead management in Captains Flat is being led by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, with support and accountability from NSW Government to provide long-term lead management to the local community.
To understand more about the work of the Taskforce and next steps, visit NSW Resources: Captains Flat Taskforce webpage.
Precautionary testing of surface soil
On behalf of the NSW Government, we carried out precautionary testing of surface soil in Captains Flat in 2021 to check for the presence of lead beyond the former Lake George Mine. A total of 80 screening tests were carried out in public and community spaces by the EPA around the town.
To read the EPA summary report, visit Captains Flat surface soil testing report (PDF 6.3MB).
The EPA continues to offer free surface soil testing to private property owners and residents in Captains Flat. If you would like us to undertake surface soil testing at your property, please contact the EPA’s Environment Line at [email protected]
Notification requirements for landowners in Captains Flat
Residential sites that are not declared significantly contaminated under section 12 of the CLM Act are managed by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council through land use planning processes.
Although some properties in Captains Flat may meet the triggers for reporting contamination to the EPA, it is not our intention to require owners to notify us. This is because the EPA is satisfied that contamination in Captains Flat has been adequately notified and is being appropriately managed, following extensive assessment, community consultation, and the development of lead abatement plans.
For information on how contamination may impact development applications in Captains Flat, visit Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council: Captains Flat Lead