Soil and dust being studied

IF your vacuum is full and you’re about to empty it, wait – as strange as it sounds, it might hold historical information.

EPA Victoria is conducting a soil and dust study in Bendigo, and wants to collect samples from both front yards and vacuums.

As part of its focus on science-led decision making, the EPA is collecting samples of soil and dust in the area to gain a deeper level of understanding of the legacy impacts from historical mine activity.

EPA’s Chief Environmental Scientist, Professor Mark Patrick Taylor, is encouraging anyone in the area to get involved in the study and learn more about their environment.

“Our team will take soil samples from your front garden and test them for contaminants. Then we’ll test the dust from the vacuum cleaner to find out whether any of those contaminants are making it into the house,” Professor Taylor said.

“Your vacuum cleaner will become a scientific tool to help us answer some important questions; are there any contaminants in the soil, are they likely to have an impact?”

The main contaminants the EPA is interested in, which are typically found in gold mine tailings, include lead, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, copper, manganese and nickel.

Up to 100 households are needed, and those that participate will receive a report from the EPA on the results, what they mean, and how to make sure the potential contaminants don’t cause any harm.

“You don’t even have to be at home – just make sure we can access your front garden to take some samples, and leave the dust in a clean plastic bag at your front door,” Professor Taylor said.

To volunteer, visit the EPA Victoria Citizen Science website.