The Brimbank council has moved to ensure work to extinguish the underground fires at the Kealba Landfill are still a priority.
Residents have been forced to endure a “toxic chemical“ smell which has been emanating from the site for six months.
Investigations uncovered fires in two of the landfill’s four cells.
Barro Group, the operator of the site, had until the end of March to table a remediation plan with the EPA.
However the EPA has sent the report back, calling for an improved public consultation component.
Residents say they are fed up with the back and forth and want the problem solved.
Brimbank council has moved to escalate the matter.
Cr Virginia Tachos introduced an urgent business item at the council’s April meeting, which was passed unanimously.
The council will now write to the chief executive of Barro Group, seeking an assurance that sourcing specialist equipment remains a priority and that the community engagement strategy is made public upon finalisation.
The council will also demand that Barro provide copies of this correspondence to the relevant minister, local MP, and the chief executive of the EPA”
Cr Tachos said that in troubling times, the community deserved to feel safe.
“In light of the Covid 19 restrictions placing residents in an even more vulnerable position – with movement restrictions – to greater exposure, and with no current active air monitoring, the community is extremely concerned and has a right to know that the air they breath and their children is free of toxic pollutants and contaminants from the hotspot that may harm their health . Madam mayor we ask for transparent reporting via community engagement strategy that is enacted as soon as possible “
Last week Star Weekly revealed that air monitoring at the Kealba landfill site had stopped after equipment installed by the EPA was attacked by vandals.
The EPA said the equipment would be replaced in the near future.
“Efforts are underway to replace the equipment and recommence air quality testing as soon as possible,“ a spokesman said.
“Additional security and other measures are being considered to help minimise the prospect of future vandal attack, protect replacement equipment and underpin continuity of reporting.“
