Update 4 pm Saturday
Around the clock security remains on the site of yesterday’s discovery of illegally stored chemical waste in Devon Ct, Epping, and at three sites in Campbellfield. The waste is contained on site, and there is no immediate risk to the community.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is part of an inter-agency working group assessing the situation and preparing plans for staged risk reduction at the sites.
Hume and Whittlesea Councils along with EPA and WorkSafe are coordinating with the site occupier to arrange a staged removal to minimise any possible risk.
The waste was discovered yesterday, as EPA led targeted inspections of industrial sites in Epping and Campbellfield in partnership with fire agencies, Victoria Police and WorkSafe.
The inspections were the result of EPA’s investigative work following leads in the wake of the West Footscray warehouse fire in August.
Yesterday’s inspections detected concerning amounts of liquid chemical waste stored within warehouses at several sites.
EPA will not be commenting further on the ongoing investigations associated with these sites, but will be in contact with the local community, businesses and other key stakeholders in proximity to the sites.
All of the agencies are working closely together in a whole of government response, placing priority on preventing harm to the community and the environment from pollution and waste.