The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) Chief Executive Officer Nial Finegan has ordered an independent review into all its landfill asbestos licences following an investigation into community concerns over the BTQ Bulla landfill site.
In 2010, EPA introduced stricter landfill licencing guidelines and the independent review will check that all EPA approval decisions for asbestos landfill sites made since then meet those stricter standards.
The results will inform EPA’s current Licence Modernisation Program, which will strengthen EPA’s requirements of all licence holders. Landfills have been prioritised as part of the program.
Mr Finegan ordered the independent review after a recent inspection of the Bulla Tip and Quarry (BTQ) identified irregularities in EPA’s licence approval processes for the site.
“Our investigations have revealed that the most recent licence amendment to allow BTQ to have a separate asbestos disposal area, issued in 2013, did not follow EPA’s usual stringent approval processes that aim to ensure best practice environmental management,” Mr Finegan said.
“This administration error is unacceptable and that is why I am taking these steps to address the matter. “The error has resulted in asbestos being deposited in an area that has not been assessed in accordance with EPA’s assessment processes.
“EPA will be issuing an amended licence requiring BTQ to immediately cover any asbestos deposited at the site with soil and/or other appropriate waste.
“EPA will also be issuing BTQ a second amended licence restricting the deposit of asbestos to other areas on the site after another inspection identified concerns for worker safety.
“While the error with BTQ’s licence appears to be site specific, I have asked for the independent review to confirm that this is the case. If the review identifies any issues, I will ensure they are addressed, that management of asbestos landfill sites meet the highest standards and the community and environment are protected well into the future,” he said.
Mr Finegan said EPA contacted WorkSafe regarding the engineering of the area where the asbestos was being deposited. WorkSafe has since inspected the facility and is working with BTQ to minimise any risks to workers.
“EPA has also asked BTQ to provide design and construction documents, verified by an Environmental Auditor, of the area where the asbestos is to be deposited. Once received, EPA will consider if the area is appropriate to receive asbestos and be returned back to the licence,” Mr Finegan said.
As with any licence amendment, the licence holder can appeal the decision through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within 21 days of issue.
The results of the independent review are expected within six weeks and will be posted on the EPA website.