Community tensions have risen around operations at the Kealba landfill after the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) announced it will suspend Barro Group’s licence to operate at the site.
The EPA informed the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) that it could no longer defend the revocation of Barro’s previous operating licence, which was based on hotspot remediation only, as three of the four hotspots have now been remediated.
Instead, the EPA has informed Barro Group of its intention to now begin the process of suspending its licence to operate at the entirety of the site.
As reported by Star Weekly, the EPA dropped criminal charges against Barro in July for its mismanagement of the site where underground fires have been burning for six years.
At a community meeting on Monday 1 December, the EPA informed residents of its intent to pursue licence suspension, saying its new regulatory actions reflect a broader approach, beyond site remediation, to hold Barro Group to account.
Local resident Nicole Power, whose health has been negatively affected by noxious odours for years from fires at the landfill, said a licence suspension is not enough.
“The fact that we’re back on the merry-go-round and starting again is just so deflating,” she said.
“I just feel like the EPA has failed us. The legislation has failed us and we need to look at it in another light.”
Ms Power welcomed a protest at the meeting where residents demanded more action from the EPA.
“It just sends a message that we’re not going to go away,” she said.
Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos and St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman joined the protest along with Brimbank councillors Lucy Nguyen and Daniel Kruk.
Ms Suleyman, who lives near the landfill, told residents she believes there’s a lot more that can be done.
“The community will fight tooth and nail all the way in every juncture to ensure Barro does not operate and own the landfill full stop,” Ms Suleyman said.
Cr Tachos agreed the suspension of Barro’s licence is not enough.
“Suspension still allows for appeal. If the laws aren’t working, change the laws because our community is suffering,” she said.
“We would like Barro to be shut down completely.”
Cr Tachos said residents have the right to breathe clean air.
“We would like to know [results of] longitudinal studies on the impact of these chemicals to residents,” she said.
Ms Suleyman said she would meet with Cr Tachos and Brimbank councillors to “look at what can be done…and not leave any stone unturned”.
EPA interim chief executive Joss Crawford said residents could be assured the prohibition notice will ensure operations and acceptance of waste at the landfill will not recommence.
“The only action Barro is permitted to take on the site relates to ongoing actions to extinguish the remaining hotspot and implementing the environmental auditors’ recent recommendations,’’ Ms Crawford said.
“We share the local community’s continuing frustrations with the site. Whether it be the landfill or the nearby concrete crushing operation. We accept the latest changes with the licence have added to the concerns. However, I want to assure you, EPA will not stop regulating this site.
“We want to see the hotspot extinguished in a manner that is safe for community. We want to make sure the site no longer impacts the life of the people who live near it, and the environment they wish to enjoy.’’
Ms Crawford told residents at the meeting that “if we progressed with the current revocation and lost, [Barro] would’ve got their licence immediately.”
According to the EPA, Barro is entitled to make submissions which EPA will consider before making its decision.
Barro declined to comment.
Residents affected by odours at the landfill are encouraged to submit reports at epa.vic.gov.au/report-odour
