Elsie Lange
Hi-Quality has begun receiving contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project (WGTP) despite community frustration at the development.
It is understood the Bulla spoil processing facility received the first loads of soil excavated by tunnel boring machines at the WGTP last week.
Low volumes of soil are currently being taken to the facility in the tunnelling’s early stages.
Sunbury Against Toxic Soil Facebook group founder Chris O’Neill said residents are “disappointed” the soil has started arriving.
“There’s been no genuine consultation on this giant process,” Mr O’Neill said.
“We’re disappointed that even though there’s current court proceedings under way, that they are still proceeding.
“It’s frustrating for community, because we were cut out of this process right at the very beginning and it seems no matter what we say, we’re just going to be ignored.”
In February, Hume council’s legal action against Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s decision to grant permission for the testing and disposal of contaminated soil at the Bulla site was adjourned.
Residents have previously raised concerns about the route trucks transporting the soil will take to the facility, including the overuse of the heritage listed Bulla bridge and use of already congested roads by more than 400 trucks a day.
Mr O’Neill said the number of trucks heading into the facility was still small, and probably wouldn’t be noticed by residents until the middle of the year.
“As a community we are disheartened we have put up such an objection to this and we have been ignored at every avenue,” he said.
