The Barro Group’s licence to operate the Kealba landfill will be suspended by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
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 instead.
As reported by Star Weekly, underground fires have been burning at the landfill for six years.
The EPA said its new regulatory actions reflect a broader approach, beyond site remediation, to hold Barro Group to account.
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.’’
Barro is prohibited from accepting waste and operating the landfill and must remediate the final hotspot to comply with a new Environmental Action Notice.
The EPA said it does not believe that Barro has the systems in place to manage the risks from its operations to keep the community safe.
According to the EPA, Barro is entitled to make submissions which EPA will consider before making its decision.
The EPA said planning issues and land use decisions around the site have been complex.
The EPA expressed ongoing concerns about the suitability of the site due to its proximity to residential areas.
More to come.
