Ecotec Woodwaste Pty Ltd in Somerton is the subject of an ongoing Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) investigation.
After a request from the Country Fire Authority (CFA), EPA has deployed its mobile air monitoring equipment to a large fire of construction and demolition waste at the site. The equipment will allow EPA to provide localised air quality readings to the incident controller.
In addition, EPA officers at the site are providing advice to CFA about how best to contain waters used from fire fighting activities.
EPA officers will not be able to enter the site until advised by CFA that the fire is fully under control and it is safe to be on the premises. Officers will then determine the best methods for clean-up of the site.
EPA has previously served notices on Ecotec to cease accepting waste and to stop burning it; the company breached those notices.
EPA has also supported Hume City Council in its application for enforcement orders served upon Ecotec through the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Through this work, council is developing a proposal to rid the land of the waste; EPA understands that Council is currently in the process of finalising this plan.