A detailed assessment of the former Empire Bay Marina site commissioned by the NSW Government has identified unacceptably high levels of contamination.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said Crown Lands, a NSW Government agency, would now take action to ensure the site was safely remediated.
"A detailed site investigation was conducted by Douglas Partners who tested the soil, sediment and groundwater at the former marina," Mr Crouch said.
"The testing has confirmed elevated levels of heavy metals, antifouling agents and hydrocarbons, as well as asbestos and acid sulfate soils. The likely sources of these include fuel, oil and lead-based paint.
"Crown Lands is now liaising with the Environment Protection Authority on the findings and further actions will be undertaken to ensure the site is made safe."
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the report has recommended remediation of the former marina site including the decommissioning and removal of the fuel tanks.
"It also recommends further testing and analysis be undertaken to assess any potential impacts on the environment", Mrs Pavey said.
"Crown Lands will complete the additional assessments prior to making a final decision on the future of the site.
"A future decision on the marina site will need to consider the significance of contamination, remediation requirements, the scale and cost of structural repairs, building and environmental safety, and other factors like access, parking, planning and heritage requirements."
In September 2020, the NSW Government revoked the Empire Bay Marina private operator's licence due to ongoing safety and environmental concerns, and a continued failure to rectify issues.
