Illegally stored chemicals stockpiles in Epping, Campbellfield under surveillance

The stockpiles of illegally stored chemicals found at multiple sites in Epping and Campbellfield as part of an investigation into the West Footscray warehouse fire earlier this year are now under 24-hour surveillance.

Illegally stored stockpiles of chemicals are now under 24-hour surveillance after multiple storage sites were uncovered in Melbourne’s north.

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria have identified four sites in Epping and three in Campbellfield as illegal operators with “high volumes of chemicals”.

“The illegal chemical storage sites were discovered during a joint agency investigation on Friday 28 December 2018,” an EPA statement said.

“The waste is contained and there is no immediate risk to the community. However, security staff will continue to maintain a 24-hour presence and EPA has deployed and is operating mobile air quality monitoring devices as a precautionary measure.”

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The inspections were the result of an EPA investigation in the wake of a warehouse fire in West Footscray in August. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The EPA will now work in conjunction with Hume City Council and Whittlesea Council to educate nearby businesses and residents.

It’s understood the process to accurately gauge the exact amount of each type of chemical could take weeks given many of them are being stored in large containers.

A concerning amount of liquid chemic waste was discovered during targeted inspections of industrial sites by the EPA, fire crews, Victoria Police and WorkSafe.

The inspections were the result of an EPA investigation in the wake of a warehouse fire in West Footscray in August.

More than 140 firefighters battled the fire from the ground and air, with smoke visible as far away as Geelong.

The inferno forced the closure of local roads, business and schools for days as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.

The EPA said they would not comment any further on the ongoing investigation, but would keep local communities and businesses informed.