Bushfires can leave behind a number of hazards and risks that simply can't be seen, for example fine dust that could contain residues of farm chemicals, asbestos or just very fine soot.
So when you're working in an area that has been burnt, it is recommended you wear a respirator or breathing mask rated to “P3” to protect yourself. And if water is available, wet down the area you are working in.
Other forms of waste need to be handled in particular ways, and this document outlines the most common wastes likely to be found, and advice on their management.
If you need specific advice please call EPA’s Pollution Hotline (1300 EPA VIC).
Asbestos
Asbestos is a building material that was used in many building products before 1988. Any house built after this time can be considered asbestos free. There's more information on asbestos on this link
Call your local Environmental Health Officer or Worksafe Office for up to date advice and assistance before you start clean up.
Licensed asbestos removalists are recommended for the handling of all asbestos contaminated wastes. These specialists will undertake activities in accordance with Worksafe standards.
Householder Initiated
Asbestos can be collected and removed, but the waste is required to be double wrapped in thick plastic sheeting (0.2mm thick polythene ie “builders plastic”), transported and disposed of appropriately.
Personal safety is premium (breathing mask ‘P3’ should be worn to filter out fine particles along with disposable overalls).
Safety kits should be made available upon request at any recovery centre.
Keeping areas where you are cleaning up damp will help in reducing risks from handling asbestos.
Commercial Operators
Worksafe Regulations and advice applies to on ground work and loading of skips & vehicles.
The removal of any amount over 10m2 requires Worksafe notification.
These regulations require at least a ‘Class B’ licensed removalist (there are approximately 400 of these in the state).
Follow this link for a list of licenced asbestos removalists:
Transportation and disposal of material must be in EPA approved vehicles.
EPA regulations require all asbestos be double wrapped in plastic.
Waste should be contained to ensure no loss of load during transport – this includes particular focus on dust suppression.
Disposal of Asbestos
Asbestos must be disposed of at an appropriate licensed landfill.
Health issues at landfills are to be managed by the operator
Dead stock
Disposal of Dead Stock from Bushfires
EPA encourages the removal of dead stock from the fires to landfill facilities in the first instance. Where stock can’t be moved to landfill, they should be disposed of by burial at the site in accordance with EPA Victoria’s 'Waste Management on Farms' .
Provided this is done on private land and in accordance with our guidelines, landowners don’t need a permit to bury stock.
Large communal burial sites may require authorisation from EPA.
EPA requires burial sites to be on high ground, which is reasonably flat and at least 100 metres from any surface waters including any watercourse, drain, dam, spring/soak or swamp. The highest seasonal water table should not be within two metres of the bottom of the burial pit.
Burial pits should not be dug in highly permeable soils and not be situated within 300 metres of a neighbour’s house. Carcasses should be covered by at least one metre of earth.
EPA discourages burning and this should only occur as a last resort and in consultation with local fire authorities. Items such as tyres must not be used as fuel.
Burnt vehicles / scrap metal
Metal recyclers will look to recover this material. Councils should liaise with recyclers to arrange.
Transformers
Transformers are equipment used in the supply of electricity, generally located on power poles but also may be encountered in sub-stations. Some older transformers may contain PolyChlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) oil as the coolant contained within. PCB oils are a known hazardous substance and have strict management requirements as listed below.
Newer transformers do not contain PCB oils.
Receipt & storage of PCB materials
Transformers containing PCB materials can be stored at any premise licensed to receive PCB waste oils or impacted transformers;
The capacity should be determined by the provision for appropriate storage. (i.e bunded areas). If the capacity exceeds the current licensed capacity then an emergency storage exemption (30A) under the Environment Protection Act should be applied for - (this should be done retrospectively to facilitate the immediate need). This is important so we can follow up on appropriate disposal post incident management.
Transport of PCB materials
EPA will waive the requirements for formal consent to move, supply etc under the Notifiable Chemical Orders (NCO). This can be done under an emergency storage exemption as per above.
Transport certificates can be filled out by the drivers for the purpose of tracking. This may assist the receiver in later cost recovery.
Chemical drums
Chemical drums and containers may have been damaged on many farms by the fires. Due to this damage, circumstances exist where the contents of chemical drums are unknown and they may pose a threat to community safety. All such chemical drums should be disposed of to landfill. Precautions must be taken to minimise the risk of exposure to workers handling these wastes (i.e. gloves, overalls. respirators, etc – please see Worksafe website).
Unexploded gas bottles
The majority of cylinders involved in these sorts of fires have vented their contents and do not constitute any danger on the site or issues regarding handling of LPG. Your gas supplier will have trained personnel who will be able to collect the cylinders, and they will correctly handle any that may have remaining LPG as is their usual practice.
For Permanent Collection Facilities for safe cylinders the following link or phone 1800 353 233.
CCA (copper chrome arsenate) contaminated timber waste
CCA is used to treat timbers as protection against pests and water damage.
CCA treated timber is commonly used in pergolas, decking, cubby houses, fencing, gates, posts, landscaping etc.
Dispose as solid inert waste to landfill – no need to separate from other waste streams
Keeping areas where you are cleaning up damp will help in reducing risks from handling ash from burned CCA treated timber.
Landfills
At this time, EPA is considering an application to waive landfill levies for waste caused by fires that struck parts of Victoria.
Therefore, before disposing of any fire waste, it is recommended that you call the landfill to discuss the material, volume and or costs involved.
EPA will provide updated information about exempt landfills when a decision has been made.