News and updates

Pollution reports in Anglesea

2 Jun 2014


EPA Victoria has investigated odour issues in relation to a small self-combustion fire at the Alcoa power station at Anglesea on Monday 2 June 2014.

EPA South West Acting Manager Stephen Lansdell said EPA was notified by Alcoa Anglesea that a small self-combustion was detected in the coal mine at 7am this morning.

“It was extinguished and kept under watch for the day, however odour was to be expected in the township due to weather conditions and low wind speed,” Mr Lansdell said.

"EPA is following up with Alcoa and co-regulators regarding actions to address the cause and mitigation of this incident.”

Following the incident, four pollution reports in relation to odour in Anglesea were made to EPA’s pollution hotline.

“EPA officers have since followed up with the reporters, with those available stating that the odour is no longer present,” Mr Lansdell said.

The Alcoa Anglesea Power Station has an EPA licence that specifies permitted discharges and limits, and outlines monitoring and reporting requirements to demonstrate compliance.

Alcoa must report to EPA any non-compliance with the license conditions both immediately and via the Annual Performance Statement required under its licence.

Alcoa’s most recent air monitoring results show that under normal operating conditions, air emissions from the Anglesea power station comply with national and EPA licence limits. 

“EPA will work with Alcoa, as it does with all businesses, to continue to support compliance with its EPA licence,” Mr Lansdell said.

Page last updated on 3 Jun 2014