State Government of Victoria

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has received an emergency management plan from Stawell’s Used Tyre Recycling Company.

EPA Acting North West Manager Danny Childs said the plan, a requirement of one of two Pollution Abatement Notices (PANs) issued to the company, had been endorsed by the Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) Chief Fire Officer.

“The purpose of the plan is to provide guidance in the event of an emergency situation, such as a bush or tyre fire at the site. The plan will ensure actions are taken to minimise personal, structural or environmental harm in an emergency situation,” Mr Childs said.

“For EPA to be satisfied that the plan meets all emergency management guidelines and standards, we required CFA endorsement to ensure community safety was front and centre of the company’s mind, that the fire risk was understood and the most appropriate controls were in place.

“If stockpiled tyres catch fire, they can produce large plumes of toxic smoke and be very difficult to extinguish. The emergency management plan will help protect the community and the environment.”

The two notices currently issued to the company require the following:

• a reduction of the volume of tyres at site;
• that remaining tyres at site to be segregated into smaller piles;
• an agreed approach to fire suppression developed;
• works to allow water  access for the purposes of risk mitigation on extreme fire danger days and for fire fighting purposes; and
• necessary fire fighting training and equipment is in place.

“EPA will continue to work in collaboration with the company as well as the Northern Grampians Shire Council and the CFA to reduce the tyre volumes at the premises and to ensure appropriate measures are taken to reduce the environmental risks associated with tyres,” Mr Childs said.

Mr Childs also urged waste tyre recyclers to ensure they meet the 29 October 2015 deadline for EPA’s new licensing requirements or run the risk of being fined up to $350,000.

“New regulations were released in April 2015 to ensure tyre stockpiles are managed in a way that minimises fire risk and hazards to human health and the environment. Occupiers of existing premises were given a transition period of six months – until 29 October 2015 – to comply,” Mr Childs said.

“It’s important that businesses storing more than 40 tonnes – or 5000 waste standard passenger car tyres – apply now for a licence to continue operating.”