The contamination of groundwater by hydrocarbons, with brief notes on the hydrogeology of Canberra City, ACT

This Record was originally issued as a BMR Engineering Geology Technical Note dated 11 March 1977. The original document was admitted as evidence in the Canberra Coroner's Enquiry into the explosion and fire at the Center Cinema, at hearings in August 1977. Minor amendments have been made to the original.

Following an explosion at the Center Cinema in Canberra City on 10 February 1978, groundwater seepage into the building was found to be contaminated with hydrocarbons. This report discussess hydrocarbon pollution of groundwater in general and the hydrogeology of Canberra City. Hydrocarbon pollution makes groundwater unfit for drinking, and gas may accumulate in buildings and constitute a fire hazard.