Wantirna tip fire: Knox Transport Station operator KTS Recycling fined by EPA for blaze
The operator of a Knox tip has been slapped with a fine after it failed to contain a mattress fire, which could have released offensive odours and toxic substances potentially harmful to humans.
Outer East
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The operator of a Bayswater tip has been slapped with a fine of more than $8000 after failing to contain a mattress fire.
The EPA has ordered KTS Recycling to pay $8261 following an investigation into the blaze at at Knox Transfer Station, which was believed to have started in a pile of mattresses late last year.
The fire was one of two that broke out within days of each other at two separate outer eastern suburbs rubbish dumps during high spring temperatures and damaging winds on the eve of the bushfire season on November 21.
The Leader has previously reported on fires at the Knox tip catching alight in mattresses one put out by the CFA in February 2019.
Stephen Pugh, from the EPA’s Resource Recovery Facilities Audit Taskforce, said an officer attended the scene as CFA and MFB crews fought the fire.
“The EPA officer responding to the incident detected a smoke-like odour nearly 2km from the premises on George St, Wantirna South, and observed a plume of smoke travelling eastwards over neighbouring suburbs,” Mr Pugh said.
“The fire had started in an area where waste mattresses are processed and recycled.
“Burning mattresses can produce noxious and offensive odours, and may release toxic substances that are potentially harmful to human health.”
He said the EPA’s investigation found the company had failed to identify the source of heat within the stockpile of mattresses and failed to suppress the fire before any off-site impacts on the environment and community happened.
“All businesses are required to understand and meet their responsibilities under environmental law, and EPA investigates and penalises any offenders,” Mr Pugh said.
Knox Council engineering and infrastructure acting director Matt Hanrahan said the Knox Transfer Station provided an important service to support recycling and reuse of hard waste.
“There is an inherent risk of fire in the work undertaken to process waste, and we can all help to reduce those risks by minimising our waste and being careful not to dispose inappropriately of flammable items, particularly batteries,” Mr Hanrahan said.
He said the council had heard resident concerns regarding fire incidents, and tip operator had been proactive assessing recent incidents and reducing fire risks.
“They have worked with council, EPA Victoria and the CFA to review fire incidents and implement improvements that reduce the likelihood of ignition, limit the spread of any fire and improve fire management capability at the site,” he said.
KTS Recycling has been contacted for comment.
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