Charges against SKM Recycling over massive Coolaroo plant fire

Charges have been laid over a massive fire at a recycling plant that burned for more than a week in Melbourne’s north, sending a toxic smoke plume over the city. Recycling waste had been stockpiled at the plant for almost five months prior to the blaze.

Charges have been laid over a massive fire at a recycling plant that burned for more than a week in Melbourne’s north.

The Herald Sun can reveal the Environment Protection Authority has this week charged SKM Recycling and its director over the blaze in July 2017.

SKM APOLOGISES FOR MASSIVE RECYCLING FIRE

RECYCLING PLANT SHUT DOWN BY EPA

The fire at SKM Recycling, Coolaroo burned for more than a week. Picture: Supplied

The plant was last month shut down by the EPA. Picture: David Crosling

EPA boss Dr Cathy Wilkinson said the fire — one of several at the site in Coolaroo — was a “significant pollution event”.

“Environment Protection Authority Victoria alleges (it) had the potential to be harmful to humans and the environment,” she said.

“As this matter is now before the courts, further comment would be inappropriate.”

Recycling waste had been stockpiled at the plant for almost five months prior to the blaze, which forced homes and businesses to be evacuated and sent a toxic smoke plume across the city.

SKM recycling business manager Robert Italiano said at the time that the company was “extremely sorry” for the impact of the fire on the community.

The Coolaroo plant was shut down by the EPA last month, with the ban on it accepting waste materials causing a crisis that has forced several councils across the state to send recycling to landfill.

@tminear