Groundwater Management & Monitoring for Major Industrial Redevelopment in Melbourne
Client
Ford Motor Company
status
Ongoing
location
Melbourne
industry
Custom
Project Scope
Scope Of Works
Scaada Environmental was engaged to deliver comprehensive groundwater environmental management services at the former Ford Factory site in Melbourne, supporting the remediation and redevelopment of a complex industrial site. The scope included the installation of ten groundwater monitoring wells, detailed hydrogeological assessments, and the design and commissioning of an onsite water treatment system capable of processing up to 200,000 litres of contaminated groundwater per day. Scaada also managed regulatory liaison with EPA Victoria and WorkSafe to ensure full compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Challenge
The site presented a highly complex groundwater contamination profile, including PFAS, metals, and hydrocarbons, requiring robust groundwater quality management and adaptive treatment solutions. Ongoing industrial legacy impacts, regulatory oversight, and redevelopment timelines demanded a groundwater control approach that balanced environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and program efficiency. Managing large volumes of groundwater while maintaining compliance with Victorian groundwater quality management requirements was a critical project challenge.
Project Outcome
Solution
Scaada developed a site-specific groundwater management plan informed by detailed hydrogeological modelling and low-flow groundwater monitoring techniques. Ten monitoring bores were strategically installed to characterise groundwater conditions and track contaminant behaviour over time. An innovative, high-capacity treatment system was designed and integrated with the monitoring network, enabling effective treatment of PFAS, metals, and hydrocarbons. Ongoing groundwater monitoring, structured compliance reporting, and proactive regulator engagement ensured the management of groundwater risks aligned with EPA Victoria expectations and best-practice groundwater resource management principles.
Outcome
The project delivered a robust, compliant groundwater management and monitoring framework that supported the safe remediation of a legacy industrial site and enabled future redevelopment. Scaada’s integrated approach to groundwater monitoring, treatment, and regulatory liaison achieved measurable reductions in groundwater risk, maintained project milestones, and demonstrated value for money through efficient, fit-for-purpose groundwater control methods. The outcome highlights Scaada’s capability in delivering complex groundwater quality management services across Melbourne and Victoria.
