The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) provided an update on the construction of the “containment cell and soil receival at the Hi-Quality spoil disposal facility in Bulla at a community information session on April 5.
The information session included presentations from different stakeholders and an appearance from a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) spokesperson.
A recap of the meeting on the No Toxic Soil in Sunbury Facebook group said the “project parties implied that these loads would be in purpose-built watertight trucks, they made assurances that these loads would be secured”.
“There is much they must do to restore community faith, but they must act fast,” the post said.
“Mud just doesn’t fly out unless the driver was speeding or the load was not to the transport guidelines.”
Sunbury Business Association president Michael Osborne attended the meeting and said he thought progress was being made, especially following multiple truck spills transporting waste from the West Gate Tunnel Project to Hi-Quality’s processing facility in Bulla.
“There was progression, it certainly appears that some of these groups are finally hearing some of the frustrations that we as a community have been expressing for some time,” Mr Osborne said.
A post on the No Toxic Soil in Sunbury Facebook group said the NHVR spokesperson advised they would be “stepping up” enforcement, including blitzes on roads used by WGTP trucks.
“The initial blitz will be for three days 24/7 specifically targeting truck compliance, roadworthiness, driver behaviour and fatigue,” the post said.
Mr Osborne said attracting tourists, businesses and people into Sunbury was hard when roads were covered in muck following truck spills.
“They’re having to battle muddy roads, eyesores such as the massive soil dump on Riddell Road and battle their way into Sunbury,” Mr Osborne said.
“It’s not conducive to bringing people to the area, that’s for sure.”
Elsie Lange
