Groundwater from Bendigo’s historic mine shafts was being pumped to evaporation ponds at Woodvale to avoid the toxic water spilling out onto low lying areas of Bendigo.

Pumping concluded at the end of June but the ponds remain full.

DELWP water and catchments director Chris McAuley said the department was searching for experienced operators to treat the groundwater and manage by-products such as salt, arsenic and metals using a small-scale, mobile treatment plant.

An interim solution to the problem has not yet been determined.

"The EOI process will help us better understand what technologies are available for treating water of this type at this scale. We will continue to work with the local community and key stakeholders to find the best transition and longer term solutions for managing the groundwater," Mr McAuley said. 

DELWP maintains the Woodvale evaporation ponds – currently owned by Unity Mining - will not form part of a long term solution to the groundwater problem. However the use of the ponds is one of several transitional options proposed. 

Woodvale resident Gary Davis said he had lost confidence in DELWP to handle the problem.  

He said the community was sick of having a “toxic waste dump” on its doorstep. Residents want the site rehabilitated by Unity Mining.

Mr Davis said the department had failed to deliver on its promise to provide detailed testing results to the community by last week. 

DELWP recently concluded a program of testing of samples from water tanks and soil immediately around the ponds.

Preliminary analysis of the samples by the Department of Health and Human Services showed arsenic levels were not above those mandated by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines or investigation levels. 

“This means that any arsenic present at the Woodvale facility is not affecting the environment or being washed into rainwater tanks from roofs,” a statement from DHHS read.

A final analysis of the samples is being prepared and is expected to be released in the next few weeks.