Elsie Lange
A spill from a truck transporting soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project to the Hi-Quality spoil disposal site has been blasted by residents.
The muddy load came off a CPB John Holland joint venture truck at the roundabout at Wildwood and Sunbury roads on Wednesday, 23 March.
Chris O’Neill, founder of the Sunbury Against Toxic Soil Facebook group, said the community expects action from the joint venture on the issue.
“The current trucking companies are not delivering what was depicted during Transurban’s presentation, which was sealed trucks,” Mr O’Neill said.
Mr O’Neill argued the truck must not have been properly fitted with a tarpaulin to prevent the spill.
A CPB John Holland Joint Venture spokesperson said the Department of Transport (DoT) was alerted to the spill immediately after it occurred and was onsite to begin a clean up and manage traffic.
“The CPB John Holland Joint Venture is working closely with EPA Victoria as it carries out an investigation into the incident,” the spokesperson said.
“The JV is also working closely with the DoT and our trucking contractors to ensure future truck movements continue to the highest standard, with a driver education program and increased monitoring of trucks leaving site to occur.”
Mr O’Neill posted a video of the spill online, which was met with angry comments from residents.
“A dangerous stretch of road at the best of times is now plain treacherous,” one comment said.
“Yes I was there today, it’s disgusting,” another said.
Mr O’Neill said he was worried that had the incident occurred on any part of the Bulla Hill, a fatality might have resulted.
“This section of road was flat, there is no feasible way that slurry would’ve been able to exit the truck unless speeding or non compliant,” Mr O’Neill said.
“We have been open and genuine about our fears that this will happen,” he added.
