West Footscray factory fire: Toxic dump clean-up still months away
Work on the clean-up of hazardous, toxic waste at a West Footscray warehouse that was destroyed by fire 18 months ago will not start for at least six months.
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Enough toxic waste to fill six Olympic swimming pools is still sitting at a West Footscray warehouse which erupted in flames almost 18 months ago.
Taxpayers will initially foot the bill for removing the illegal stockpile.
But Victoria’s safety watchdog will try to recoup the cash.
Work won’t start for at least six months.
WorkSafe tender documents reveal between 7500 and 15,000 cubic metres of waste in drums and cylinders remains at the Somerville Rd factory.
It included up to 10 million litres of residual chemicals.
The authority warned the clean-up was expected to “present numerous challenges” with some waste needing to be treated before it could be moved.
Toxic sludge leaking from “compromised” containers was so bad it caused “discernible degradation” to emergency worker’s chemical-resistant safety boots, asbestos had been found and the extent of contamination to soil and groundwater was yet to be fully assessed.
WorkSafe in a statement told the Herald Sun: “The clean-up is complex as it requires demolition, and dangerous goods and hazardous waste removal”.
“Detailed planning will be required before work can commence,’’ it said.
“Community safety and the environment remain the top priorities for the clean-up and security, air monitoring and stormwater containment remains in place at the site.”
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WorkSafe had power under the law to recover the costs of the clean-up from those responsible.
The company which will lead the clean-up is set to be decided in May with the tender closing next month.
Around-the-clock security was also being organised.
It took fire crews 17 hours to bring the massive August 2018 blaze under control with a toxic plume billowing over Melbourne’s west.