By Max Hatzoglou
The Environmental Protection Authority has issued a new notice to Burro Group, stating that the Kealba landfill needs to complete remedial activity to hotspot fires by August 22 this year.
For two and a half years, the tip has been causing bad odour smells for surrounding residents from hotspot fires burning in the tip.
It reached a point where some residents said they didn’t even want to go outside during lockdowns due to the extent of the smell.
The new Environmental Action Notice replaces an earlier notice from the EPA which they had recently withdrawn from.
The new notice will allow Burro Group the extra time to have the works completed in extinguishing the hotspot fires.
A statement said the new notice also follows Barro Group’s decision to discontinue a Supreme Court appeal.
Western Metropolitan EPA regional manager, Stephen Lansdell said the new notice will give the local community an indication of when the issue would be resolved.
“EPA has been highly vigilant of the situation at the Kealba landfill site and has total empathy with the local community who have endured this issue and odours for far too long,” Mr Lansdell said.
“The Environmental Action Notice will help the community understand when it should expect remedial action will be completed by Barro Group.”
Mr Lansdell also said Burro Group had already made progress on extinguishing hotspot fires and assured excessive odour would be less frequent.
“Progress is being made at the site, with three of the four hotspots now extinguished, and evidence indicates that excessive odour, while still present, is less frequent,” he said.
“Our aim is to ensure there are no days of odour impacting outside of the Kealba landfill boundaries.”
Once works are complete it will be welcoming news for local residents who have been affect particulary those living close by in Kealba, St Albans, Sunshine North and Keilor East.
