Hume City Council and EPA Victoria are working together to address unlawful waste activity at a property in Wildwood, following joint inspections in April and May.
Authorised officers from Hume City Council and EPA Victoria attended the Wildwood Road site on 26 May, where they observed significant quantities of smouldering industrial waste and multiple truck movements delivering soil.
A prior joint inspection on 14 April identified large stockpiles of industrial waste at the site, including materials suspected to contain asbestos.
EPA Victoria and Hume City Council are working together to ensure Hume remains a clean, safe and healthy place for all. As a result of these findings, EPA Victoria has issued an Environmental Action Notice requiring the site occupant to immediately cease burning waste.
The notice also requires the removal of all industrial waste to a lawful facility by 28 July, and independent verification by a qualified hygienist that any asbestos has been safely removed by 3 August.
EPA Victoria investigations are ongoing.
Community members are encouraged to report any suspected illegal waste activity to help authorities respond quickly and effectively. Reports can be made to:
EPA Victoria on 1300 372 842 or via epa.vic.gov.au
Hume City Council through its Customer Service channels – phone 9205 2200 or via the Snap Send Solve app.
Quotes attributable to Hume City Mayor, Cr Carly Moore:
“Council is working alongside EPA Victoria to respond to this matter and ensure the safety of our community.”
“Illegal waste activity poses serious risks to public health and the environment, and we are taking a coordinated approach to address it.”
“Our residents expect clean, safe neighbourhoods and we will continue to advocate strongly and work with our partners to prevent this type of activity in Hume.”
Quotes attributable to EPA Victoria North Metropolitan Regional Manager Steve Riley:
“This site is not licensed to accept industrial waste, particularly hazardous materials such as asbestos”
“Burning this material presents significant risks to both the environment and the surrounding community.”
