EPA approves proposal for two sites bidding to hold contaminated West Gate Tunnel soil
The long-running toxic soil saga plaguing the West Gate Tunnel project could nearly be resolved, ending months of confusion and delay. But one key authority still needs to tick off on the plan.
Victoria
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A solution to the toxic soil saga that has plagued the West Gate Tunnel is a step closer, with the Environment Protection Authority approving plans for two sites to hold the spoil.
Maddingley Brown Coal and Hi-Quality Group in Bulla on Tuesday both had their proposals ticked off by the regulator in major boost for efforts to host the PFAS-contaminated soil at their sites.
They will now wait to learn if they have received approval from the Planning Minister and, in the final step of the process, will need be contracted by the builders working on the $6.7 billion project.
The EPA’s executive director of regulatory standards, Tim Eaton, said the authority would also play a role in ensuring these sites met strict guidelines.
“These Environment Management Plans will ensure the health of the local community and the environment is protected,” he said.
“EPA will closely monitor these sites to make sure that are complying with their Environment Management Plan and best practise safety measures to protect the local community and environment.”
Massive tunnel boring machines in Yarraville have been laying idle for months after authorities were left with no location to store the dirt contaminated by PFAS that will be dug up as part of the project.
The lengthy delay has led to cost overruns and the sacking of hundreds of staff over the past nine months, with Transurban pushing back the official completion date of the project to 2023.
CPB Contractors and John Holland are also in mediation with the tolling giant after they declared they would rip up their contract to build the project.
A government spokeswoman said the EPA’s decision was one part of the site selection process.
“The EPA’s approval sets strict requirements to protect the environment and the health of the community that these sites would have to meet if they are selected to take tunnel soil from the project,” she said.
“While this is a positive step towards getting tunnelling underway, it is just one step in a rigorous process.
“Planning approvals are still required before preparatory works can commence at either site and it’s a matter for Transurban and its builder to determine which site it will use.”
Maddingley, Hi-Quality and a Cleanaway site in Ravenhall have all put forward applications for approvals to handle the soil.
But all three sites are also contending with opposition from community groups and local councils who do not want the contaminated soil to be stored in their area.
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