Toxic drums dumped again in Dandenong Ranges National Park
More chemicals have been dumped in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with barrels of toxic substances now being found three times in a week. But mystery still surrounds what’s inside them.
Outer East
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UPDATE: More toxic chemical drums have been found in the Dandenong Ranges National Park this afternoon.
It comes after emergency services were called to Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd in Tremont about 9pm last night to retrieve seven barrels identical to those found seven days ago.
Last Tuesday, firefighters removed nine barrels with some “very, very bad” stuff inside only 2km away, near popular fitness track the 1000 Steps.
Upper Ferntree Gully CFA captain Peter Smith said the barrels found last night were the same as last time.
He said walkers had reported the drums, which had been dumped down the road embankment into the national park.
CFA crews from Upper Ferntree Gully, Upwey, Hallam, Dandenong and the Ranges Group took three hours to safely contain and remove the drums.
“It’s exactly the same chemicals as before,” Mr Smith said.
“It’s a scare for me as a local resident.
“I hope we don’t find any more.”
Mr Smith did not say what chemicals were in the drums.
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A Parks Victoria spokesman said investigators found five dumped barrels this afternoon in the national park, which were being removed.
“Parks Victoria is investigating multiple cases of illegal dumping in the Dandenong Ranges National Park,” he said.
“The contents of the barrels are unknown at this stage but there does not appear to have been any spillage.”
He said illegal dumping of rubbish was a crime and could lead to court penalties of up to $610,7000 for an individual and $1.2 million for a corporation.
Boronia Sergeant Dean Sprunt said police were investigating, and anyone with information should phone police or Crime Stoppers.