EPA Victoria has selected Enviropacific to carry out remedial works at an illegal waste site in Lemon Springs, following an extensive tender and procurement process.
Enviropacific will begin works in March, with excavation of waste to be completed in stages.
Drone and on the ground inspections revealed up to 30 areas of interest on the 1400 acre property, south of Kaniva in the state’s north west. It is estimated 8000 cubic metres of solid and liquid waste has been buried on the property.
The EPA will work closely with Enviropacific to ensure the removal of waste is carried out safely and thoroughly.
All waste excavated will be sampled and taken to an appropriately licensed facility for disposal.
EPA Project Manager Julian Bull said community safety continues to be the authority’s top priority, with a community meeting planned for Febuary.
“The meeting will give the local community a chance to hear from EPA, Enviropacific and stakeholder groups like council, CFA and the water authority about how the siteworks have been progressing and what’s to come,” he said.
Groundwater sampling was completed on site in December 2020, with results continuing to show no signs of contamination.
Sampling will continue to be conducted regularly throughout the project to ensure any potential contaminants are discovered.
The EPA has been investigating the site since July 2018, after it was referred to the authority by Victoria Police.
“The EPA will continue to pursue the occupier to pay for the cost of cleaning up and will use all available powers to hold them to account,” an EPA statement reads.
Related stories:
- Work progresses on Lemon Springs illegal waste dump remediation
- Problem-solving contaminants: Enviropacific
- EPA VIC boosts resources to tackle waste crime
