SBI Group wins VCAT battle with EPA with a stay granted to the operating licence suspension
Cranbourne locals are furious a smelly landfill operator has been given permission to keep operating by VCAT.
South East
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Cranbourne residents are furious after the operators of a landfill site scored a stay of an EPA licence suspension at VCAT.
SBI Inert Landfill, which is responsible for a disgusting stench engulfing the southeastern suburb since June, had its operating licence suspended by the EPA on October 3, 2022.
A disgusting smell coming from the Ballarto Rd landfill left residents experiencing strong sinus symptoms including runny noses, severe nausea, headaches and itchy/watery eyes.
The months long back and forth led to SBI Group appealing the suspension to the tribunal in mid October.
In a decision that shocked the community, the tribunal granted a stay to the licence suspension.
While the stay is only temporary with a final decision expected in April 2023, SBI Group has been granted permission to continue operating until a full hearing can be held.
EPA Chief executive Lee Miezis said the authority “strongly opposed” the grant.
“EPA opposed the granting of a stay, and put a strong case forward about protecting the local community from harms caused by the site,” he said.
“EPA expects all landfill operators to comply in full with all regulatory obligations.”
Resident Veronica Glugsberger said she’d like the tribunal members to experience the smell themselves.
“They need to come and stay with the residents for two months and see how they feel after it,” she said.
“It is a complete disregard for the community, not to mention our health and safety.”
Theresa Jones said her household had taken reporting the stench to a new level.
“We now get every adult in our house to report when there is an odour,” she said.
“When we have visitors and we can’t go outside, they report it as well. Constant reporting seems to be the only thing helping us.
“I’m not looking forward to summer where I can’t open my windows or use my backyard.”
SBI director Simon Williamson said the company would “continue to work diligently with EPA to close out existing improvement notices as a top priority”.
“We once again appreciate the community’s patience in working through these issues and apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
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