A major project to clear a sports ground in north-east Victoria of lead contamination is expected to be the first of many across the state.

Once home to a vibrant sports scene, the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve has been fenced off and left unusable for the local football netball club for nearly two years.

In May 2016, high lead levels were detected at the grounds, on nearby land, and in surrounding groundwater, following years of lead pellets straying from the neighbouring Wangaratta Clay Target Club's shooting activities.

A $3 million remediation plan funded by the Victorian Government began in January to restore the oval back into a safe venue for the public.

It has reportedly been a difficult two years for the affected sports clubs and volunteers, who say they have struggled to keep their organisations viable as they have worked through the issue.

While the Wangaratta sports ground is expected to re-open by June, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is now investigating contamination from the Sebastopol Gun Club, the Winchelsea Gun Club, and testing a range of wetlands across Victoria as a result of duck hunting.

Long process to clean up

The EPA began testing and monitoring the contaminated soil and groundwater at Wangaratta in May 2016.

Last month, the local council took over the clean-up process.

Lead pellets have been used at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club. ( ABC Goulburn Murray: Erin Somerville )

Contaminated soil has been scraped away, placed onto the gun club's land and covered with protective sheeting.

Tests are now being carried out to determine if the contamination has been removed from the football oval before grass is sown to return the venue to a playable standard.

Wangaratta Mayor Ken Clarke said it had hit the community hard.

"We're just hopeful that [the football club] has enough support out there that they'll survive not having a home ground for two years," he said.

"Unfortunately, there were so many things that were involved, and the council and the Government have been working very hard to get everything done, but it does take time."

Contamination shoots down target club

Volunteers at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club estimate it has taken thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours to continue operating after the lead contamination was identified.

The EPA forced the closure of the club in May 2016, after it had been in operation since 1914.

The temporary closure lasted a year.

The club has had to erect signs as part of measures to continue operation following the discovery of lead contamination. ( ABC Goulburn Murray: Erin Somerville )

During that time, many members left the regional club, reducing its revenue and threatening its future and sustainability.

Since the Wangaratta Clay Target Club's reopening in autumn last year, the club has had to meet strict regulations and compliance plans to continue operating.

Club vice president Brian Reid said it was only through the dedication of some volunteers to understand the red tape and meet regulations that the century-old club had been able to carry on.

"It was fairly fragile at the beginning, especially when we started dealing with the authorities, because we're not trained in this area," he said.

"We're not environmental specialists and we did our best to be honest and open and frank, and try and do the right thing."

Mr Reid said many other gun clubs were closely watching their handling of the situation, as they prepared to potentially be hit by similar investigations.

He has raised concerns that some clubs that endured the same issue would not be able to survive the financial and administrative pressures.

"Some of these little clubs are the lifeblood of country towns and it would be a shame to see them fold because they can't handle the rules and regulations of any government authority."

Push for banning lead shot

Experts have raised concerns about the impact of lead not just on the environment, but also on shooters.

RMIT Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation researcher Mark Laidlaw has compared almost 40 studies on the risks of people using shooting ranges.

Shooters at Wangaratta face certain restrictions to contain lead contamination. ( ABC Goulburn Murray: Erin Somerville )

Some of the research showed people using shooting ranges could record blood-lead levels as high as 40 micrograms per decilitre of blood — 700 per cent higher than a healthy reading.

Much of the lead exposure came from breathing in lead fragments and fumes after discharging firearms, and lead particles that remained on hands being swallowed through smoking and eating.

High blood-lead levels can lead to health issues including decreased fertility, increased spontaneous abortion, and decreased kidney function.

"At the low levels, less than 40 micrograms per decimetre, there's no way to eliminate the lead, and at high cases they can use something known as chelation, but it has been known to be risky in some cases," Dr Laidlaw said.

Lead-free bullets and primers already exist, with some experts encouraging shooters to take up copper alternatives.

Shooters are also urged to wear protective clothing, wash their hands regularly, and practise the sport in a well-ventilated area to reduce lead exposure.