EPA bans SKM Recycling from accepting recyclable waste
An infamous Coolaroo recyclable waste plant, the site of several toxic fires, has been banned from accepting more until it cleans up its act.
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The infamous SKM Recycling plant in Coolaroo has been banned from accepting recyclable waste following a major crackdown by the Environment Protection Authority.
Pressure has long been mounting on the notorious recycling facility to shut after several toxic fires broke out at the site over several years.
In the worst incident on July 13, 2017, two fires broke out in a rubbish pile at the Maffra St site, igniting a terrifying blaze which raged for 11 days.
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The EPA has issued a notice that requires SKM Recycling to stop accepting recyclable materials until it meets compliance regulations.
The company has not been banned from operating entirely; it is allowed to continue operations by processing the existing waste on its premises.
Inspectors recently observed large stockpiles of combustible recyclable waste materials from kerb-side collections stored inappropriately at the company’s facilities in Maffra St, Coolaroo and Gilbertson Rd, Laverton North.
EPA chief executive Dr Wilkinson slammed SKM Recycling for failing to take reasonable steps to manage and store combustible, recyclable waste materials at its facilities in a way that reduced risk to the community and environment.
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“(Our) view is that SKM has fallen short of meeting the requirements of the (waste management) policy, which is completely unacceptable and poses a real risk to local communities,” he said.
He said in the event of a fire at either site, large amounts of plastic materials could likely generate significant community impacts from smoke.
“The waste stockpiles could pose a significant risk and challenge for firefighting agencies if ignited,” he said.
“Fire water run off could also enter waterways and have long-lasting impacts on the environment due to the toxic contaminants.”
The EPA will launch a formal investigation into SKM Recycling, which may lead to penalties under the Environment Protection Act 1970.
Since the Coolaroo fire in 2017, the authority has conducted 47 inspections at the site and has issued 12 notices relating to clean-up processes, stormwater issues and stockpile configuration as part of its investigation.
More than 70 residents and business owners have signed up for a class action against the plant.
SKM has been contacted for comment.
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