TASPORTS is preparing for remediation works at a damaged and contaminated slipway at the port of Devonport.

TasPorts said it discovered “a number of environmental issues” including contamination at the Mersey Slipway when the previous tenant vacated the site in July 2022.

TasPorts said it is now “readying” the slipway with a goal to take it to market before the end of the financial year.

TasPorts chief operating officer Stephen Casey said the company has tasked environmental consultant Elgin Associates, a Tasmania-based contaminated land specialist with overseeing the work needed to remediate the site.

“With the scope of works needed now understood, we’re confident we can start seeking a new operator for the site by mid-year parallel to the final program of works to be undertaken at that time,” Mr Casey said.

“Our intention to return to the site to use was slowed by the need to understand the extent of damage and plan for the rehabilitation of the area to comply with all regulatory standards including safety and environmental controls.

“It is very positive to have reached this stage and to have such a reputable remediation contractor to assist.

“It’s usual for shipyard and slipway sites like this to house hazardous waste, heavy metals such as copper found in anti-fouling paints, or hydrocarbons.

“One of our first acts on site has been to remove approximately one tonne of asbestos.”

Mr Casey said other remediation works include excavating and disposing of hydrocarbon-impacted soil, oil store bund, concrete, impacted soil beneath the paint shed, remaining waste and blasting sands from stockpiles, slipways and other areas of the site.

Remediation also involves disposing of wastes left on site, demolishing buildings and backfilling voids.

“We have long recognised the importance of the slipway for the local community and worked steadily to bring it back to service,” Mr Casey said.

“TasPorts has and continues to remain willing to work with any potential interested slipway operators in negotiating a contemporary lease at the site, which would include appropriate safety and environmental obligations.

“The negotiation of any new lease at the Mersey Slipways site would require detailed due diligence on potential operators by TasPorts to ensure any future business operations provided the right level of slipway services and complied with all regulatory standards, including safety and environmental controls.”