EPA investigates Mt Ku-ring-gai mountain of mulch after three blazes take off in a month
A massive pile of mulch in Mt Ku-ring-gai has caused a stir among residents who have concerns it will ignite another fire as the EPA launch an investigation.
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A mountain of mulch which started a fire three times over the holiday period is being investigated by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
One of the blazes started on Christmas Day, causing damage to neighbouring properties in an industrial area of Mt Ku-ring-gai.
The flames could be seen from neighbouring suburbs.
Over the weekend Berowra Fire and Rescue assisted the owner of Active Fencing to spread out the mulch and wet it to prevent more flames.
The 700 tonne pile had built up over four years and was made from recycled hardwood paling fences which had been grinded up and recycled for customers gardens.
A woman who wished to remain anonymous said residents were concerned it would start a bushfire, with the property surrounded by bushland adjacent to Berowra Valley National Park.
She said it had been concerning knowning the mulch was there on a day with catastrophic fire warnings (Saturday).
“I think the stress it’s created is huge. My sister has just survived the fires in Batemans Bay.
“The firefighters resources shouldn’t have been wasted on this. Why haven’t the council done something about it... Who’s in charge?”
The council said the matter had been passed on to the EPA.
“The immediate concern from council and emergency services was to ensure there was no further risk,” Cr Nathan Tilbury said.
“It was a matter of spontaneous combustion, it could shoot out flames and the properties adjacent were at risk.
“Emergency services jumped onto it quickly and then a decision was made by the NSW fire brigade. They’re still monitoring it.”
The EPA inspected the property on Monday and issued the owner of Active Fencing with a clean-up notice.
“Due to the risk of reignition, the EPA has issued the site occupier with clean-up directions by January 10 to mitigate this risk, as well as address any risk of dust or leachate discharges during those works,” an EPA spokeswoman said.
“The owner intends to spread the mulch on site, in consultation with Fire and Rescue NSW to remove any heat in the material and reduce the risk of ignition.
“The EPA has taken samples of the stockpiled material. Once the laboratory results have been received, the EPA may take further regulatory actions.”
Peter Carbon of Active Fencing made an apology to the community.
“I sincerely regret the danger that this has created and I would like to acknowledge and thank the Rural Fire Service and the local Hornsby Fire department who have been involved,” Mr Carbon said.
“My focus now is on making sure there are no more fires and removing this pile as soon as possible.
“I am working in conjunction with all the relevant authorities to do this.”
He said he takes full responsibility for the damage it had caused to neighbouring properties.
“There has been some burning of the bush some damage to grass behind Thomson Landscape Supplies and little bit to their fencing. I will rectify this and restore the area.
“At this stage I certainly would not store any more mulch and will most likely close the mulching down.
“I apologise again to all my neighbours - Thompsons Landscapes Supply and all the residents living near the bush.
“Thankyou from the bottom of my heart to the people that noticed the fire and called the firefighters. I understand all the anger, its fair enough.”
He wanted to reassure the community that the mulch is 80 per cent wet and it is being monitored from sunrise to sunset.