The Govt. has moved quickly to avert a potentially hazardous environmental situation

16/9/99

The State Government has moved quickly to avert a potentially hazardous environmental situation with the removal of drums of flammable waste from a site in Bellevue.
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would oversee the removal of 1,000 drums of industry waste from Waste Control Pty Ltd premises in Bulbey Street, Bellevue.
This action follows previous notices under Section 73 of the Environmental Protection Act issued on Waste Control to put in place secure containment measures on site.
Mrs Edwardes said the DEP was concerned that the company had allowed a large stockpile of drums to build up at the site with the potential for fire and pollution from leaking drums and insecure bunding.
Action to remove the drums would also be taken under Section 73 of the Environmental Protection Act, allowing the DEP to oversee removal of the waste and reimbursement of $100,000 from the company.
"Although the company does not currently have the funds available to undertake the drum removal, the DEP would invoke a Section 73 order under the Environmental Protection Act which would allow the waste to be reduced and costs subsequently recovered from the company," Mrs Edwardes said.
"Government has used the Section 73 provision before with respect to the cleanup of a contaminated site at Wongan Hills where cleanup costs of $560,000 were recovered earlier this year from the parties responsible for the contamination."
Mrs Edwardes said that once the stockpiled flammable waste had been reduced, the company could resume trading. This would enable the ongoing recycling, treatment or disposal or solvent wastes from dry cleaners and motor workshops as well as printing and other industries. Discussions with Waste Control indicated the company should be able to repay costs over a two-year period.
"The fast removal of the waste would safeguard the community from a potential fire hazard and protect the environment," the Minister said.
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9241 7777