Tate Papworth
Air monitoring at the Kealba landfill site has stopped after equipment installed by the Environment Protection Authority was attacked by vandals.
The equipment had been in place for several months following the discovery of an underground fire at the site, which was releasing a persistent choking odour residents described as “toxic”.
The EPA said the destroyed and stolen equipment would be replaced in the near future.
“Efforts are underway to replace the equipment and recommence air quality testing as soon as possible.
“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.”
It’s done little to appease frustrated residents who have been living with the odour since October 2019.
One resident, Mark Pepper described the air monitoring as a token gesture.
“The air monitoring is one thing, it tells us that the air quality is good, but we still don’t know what we’re breathing in and why it smells so toxic,” Mr Pepper said.
“The odour hasn’t been as strong in recent times, but I think as residents we just want this all over.”
Barro Group, the operator of the landfill contacted the EPA to report the suspected fire within one of its waste cells in October.
Subsequent investigations uncovered fires in two of its four cells.
The cells were covered with a thick layer of clay to contain the smoke and odour, which the EPA warned may need to be uncovered to extinguish the fire, further intensifying the odour and possibly releasing smoke.
In December, the EPA issued Barro Group with a clean-up notice, requiring ongoing air quality monitoring and publication of the results, as well as actions to keep the community informed.
It also requires it to undertake a risk assessment and provide plans to the EPA that show how it will prevent further fires.
The group was also issued an official warning for failing to notify EPA of the incident immediately.
Barro is expected to table a remediation plan by the end of the month.
