PARKS Victoria and the Environment Protection Authority Victoria are looking into potential deposits of calcine sands at two Stawell sites.
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Calcine sands are a form of mine tailings created through gold mining works. They may contain higher levels of heavy metals, such as arsenic, compared with other mine tailings, and may be harmful to humans if ingested.
The potential deposits were identified at the Moonlight-cum-Magdala and Oriental Mine Company Historic Areas, in Stawell.
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Parks Victoria has contacted the Environment Protection Authority about the potential deposits and collected soil samples to inform a management response.
As a precautionary measure, the areas containing potential calcine sands have been covered, nearby residents have been contacted and signs have been installed.
Parks Victoria will provide a public update after reviewing soil sample results and understanding whether further restrictions or remediation are required.
Calcine sands are identifiable by their red or purple colour and were left behind following the extraction of gold from rocks during historic mining activity more than 100 years ago.
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