Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is investigating how a pile of industrial waste potentially containing asbestos ended up at CFA’s Huntly site.
EPA North West Manager, Paul Ratajczyk said EPA was made aware of the waste following a call to EPA’s pollution hotline.
“Environment Protection Officers carried out an inspection at the site yesterday and found about 1000 cubic metres of concrete rubble,” he said.
“It appears the rubble has been on site for several years and may contain some asbestos material.
“The rubble is in an isolated area at the site, is fenced off and signed and poses no risk to workers or residents if undisturbed.
“While early indications from CFA testing suggest the waste contains asbestos, as part of its investigation, EPA visited the site yesterday to take further samples to confirm whether asbestos is present or not.
“If sample results find that asbestos is present, EPA will issue a clean-up notice to ensure the waste is removed and deposited at a site licensed to receive it.”
“EPA’s investigation will also look into how the material ended up at the CFA site and who was involved in depositing the material.
“Any potential breaches of the Environment Protection Act will be considered against EPA’s Compliance and Enforcement policy."
EPA urges members of the public to report suspected pollution to EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au