A major clean-up of one of the Hunter’s most contaminated industrial sites has been completed.
The former Truegain waste oil processing plant in Rutherford is now ready for future commercial or industrial use.
The site has undergone a two-stage remediation project after being abandoned in 2016 when Truegain lost its trade waste permit, had its environment protection licence suspended and later entered liquidation.
The NSW Government has invested $19 million into the project, which was led by Property and Development NSW’s Waste Assets Management Corporation (WAMC).
The first stage of the clean-up was completed in 2023 and involved the removal of more than 11,000 tonnes of industrial liquid waste, sludge and above-ground infrastructure.
More than 400 storage tanks and intermediate bulk containers were removed from the 1.2-hectare site as part of the works.
The second stage has now been completed, with around 15,000 tonnes of contaminated soil removed.
The works also included the removal of hydrocarbon-affected concrete slabs and the excavation of underground infrastructure, including a 50,000-litre underground tank.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the completion of the project would allow the site to be reused while preventing future generations from inheriting the legacy of contamination.
“Since the site became the Government’s responsibility, we have made cleaning up this site our priority,” Mr Kamper said.
“What was once a blight on the local landscape has been transformed into a space that can be used to benefit the entire Maitland community.”
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said the clean-up was a significant relief for Rutherford residents who had waited years for the site to be addressed.
“The remediation of the former Truegain site is a huge relief to our community,” Ms Aitchison said.
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe and clean environment, which is why the Minns Government prioritised this project.”
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