The Environment Protection Authority will make a decision before the end of January about whether Barro Group’s operating licence for the Sunshine Landfill in Kealba will be revoked.
In a letter to residents, EPA regional manager west metro regional manager Steve Lansdell said officers were considering the matter.
Underground fires at Barro have been burning for more than three years, with residents complaining about the smell and the impact on their lives.
“In October, the company was issued a notice to show cause as to why their licence to operate the landfill should not be revoked,” Mr Lansdell said.
“An initial response was received on 14 November, with an extension to provide more information by 13 December granted.
“All submissions from the company have now been received. EPA will make its decision before the end of January, prior to the end date of the current license suspension.”
Mr Lansdell said the EPA would share the details with the community as soon as they are known.
In October, the EPA charged the Barro Group and its three directors with breaches of the General Environmental Duty (GED) under the Environment Protection Act 2017.
A committal mention hearing is set for March 31.
A separate Supreme Court hearing is set for October 3 regarding Barro Group’s request for a judicial review of EPA’s decision to refuse an extension of the environmental action notice requirement to extinguish the final hotspot by August 22, 2022.
