WASTE STORAGE NOT UP TO SCRATCH

18 March 2010
The operators of a liquid waste storage and treatment facility located within the Eaglehawk landfill site on Upper California Gully Road, have been fined $5841 for causing an environmental hazard.

EPA client services director Wayne Robins said Transpacific Cleanaway Pty Ltd had failed to ensure the integrity of its operation with parts of the business’ tanks and containment areas not well maintained.

“An onsite inspection in June last year found deficiencies on site, with cracking in the concrete bund floor, tank subsidence and some containment areas had been breached.

“As this site is located on an old part of the landfill, it would be reasonable to expect some subsidence however, the company has done little in the way of addressing overall site issues other than to undertake some short-term remedial works.”

Transpacific spokesperson Duncan Reid said “the issue had been identified through Transpacific’s own internal processes and remedial works were already underway at the time of the EPA inspection. Detailed designs for a full overhaul of the facilities are now under development. When complete, the improvements will increase both the quality and operating efficiency of the plant.

“Transpacific Cleanaway remains totally committed to ensuring future planning and works will be undertaken in close consultation with the EPA.”

Mr Robins said Transpacific had been cooperative throughout the incident but if the business was to continue operating it was likely significant work would be required to ensure the integrity of the site does not produce further environmental risk.

The company has 28 days to pay the fine or have the matter dealt with in court.