Deadline

By Lia Bichel
ALL eyes now turn to Greater Dandenong Council, as a final decision looms on the contaminated soil treatment facility proposed for Ormond Road.
On Monday night, the council will make its final call on the plant, which residents say will have adverse effects on their health and well-being.
The EPA has already indicated its support, granting a works approval for the site.
Many residents are hopeful the council will refuse a permit for the Renex facility, which will treat contaminated soils and prescribed industrial waste and release smoke from one chimney stack.
Thelma Wakelam from Residents Against Toxic Waste in the South East (RATWISE) said the environmental group hoped councillors would reject the application to build the facility on Ordish Road. “We are really hanging on the council,” she said.
“This isn’t the shape we want Dandenong South to take. We would prefer to see this type of industry excluded.”
Robert Gipp, a member of RATWISE and a resident of Greater Dandenong, said he feared for the health of children who attend schools nearby as well as people who use the surrounding facilities.
“The quality of air we have is far below the standard for Victoria, or for any city of that matter,” he said.
“Having another chimney stack belting out pollutants is only going to add to the problem.
“Once toxins get into the air they can float on thermal currents for miles or kilometres.
“There are schools located within three kilometres of the site on Ordish Road, as well as churches, temples and other industries, including a meat works.”
Mr Gipp said he also worried about the possibility of birth defects that could be caused by the pollution from the facility.
“The EPA must have their head in the sand for giving it the green light,” he said.
“Our pleas seem to be falling on deaf ears.”
The EPA has defended their decision, which it said was made following extensive consultation with the community and referral to Victorian Work Cover and the Department of Human Services.
EPA environmental services director Bruce Dawson said the company’s application had been thoroughly assessed and was found to comply with all relevant environmental policies.
“There has been considerable community interest in this application and the EPA’s own assessment has been complemented by an independent auditor,” Mr Dawson said.
“The works approval has been strengthened following community submissions. This is an acknowledgment of those who took time to voice their concerns.”
Mr Dawson said the works approval outlined a number of key requirements that must be implemented to ensure the