AN early-learning centre has recently opened about 800 metres east of Lyndhurst hazardous waste dump, igniting renewed debate over suitable buffer distances from the landfill.
The early-learning centre opened last year, its operators unaware of its proximity to the landfill’s eastern-most cells which are licensed to hold toxic materials such as arsenic, cyanide, lead and prescribed industrial wastes.
A spokesperson for the centre said odours from the dump has increased of late.
“At times there are odours however luckily this is infrequent.
“When this occurs we limit outside play where possible and also close all doors.
“I believe that if there is any risk to the community’s health then there should be plans put in place to eliminate the risk, whether it be movement of the site or actual closure.”
Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus, who last week called for the landfill’s early closure, said the landfill’s closeness to local homes and businesses “continues to raise concerns”.
“As I have argued previously, this site needs to be closed down and a new site found to accept Victoria’s hazardous waste,” he said.
“It is imperative that safe buffer zones are ensured between new developments and hazardous waste facilities to protect residents, workers and the environment.”
Residents against Toxic Waste in the South East spokeswoman Thelma Wakelam said a one-kilometre minimum buffer zone was needed for all types of businesses and residences surrounding hazardous waste landfills.
“Those people who work within that buffer zone spend almost more time there than at home.”
The council, which has maintained a long-held opposition to the landfill’s location, approved a permit for the early-learning centre in 2012.
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti, who was unaware of the permit approval and construction of the centre, said it illustrated the need for a greater buffer.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria guidelines recommend a 500-metre buffer for landfills which accept putrescible waste.
That same standard applies to Lyndhurst yet the guidelines are silent on buffers for prescribed industrial waste.
Last month’s fire at the site elicited a CFA warning message to residents in Lynbrook, Lyndhurst and Dandenong South – in some cases living more than a kilometre from the site.
The landfill’s operator SITA at the time stated the fire’s smoke was not toxic and didn’t escape beyond its boundaries.
“SITA’s Taylor’s Road landfill is an essential part of managing Victoria’s waste needs and provides the appropriate buffer distances as set out in the EPA requirements,” a spokeswoman said at the time.
Greater Dandenong Council were unable to comment by deadline.
Breakout
GREATER Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti will push for the early shutdown of Lyndhurst toxic waste landfill after a recent “wake-up call” fire at the site.
Cr Memeti, who says he first ran for council out of concerns of health impacts to residents in surrounding suburbs, said it was timely ahead of November’s state election for the council to push for the ALP and the Coalition to state a position on shifting the landfill.
He said he was prepared to take the rare action of temporarily stepping down from the mayor’s chair to move for such a motion during the 24 March council meeting.
“I’ve always been concerned that the landfill is so close to residences. The fire [on 23 February] shows the landfill needs to be away from a residential area,” Cr Memeti said.
“It was a wake-up call. I know the community was very concerned on that day. There’s always that fear in the back of your mind.
“What if the fire wasn’t controlled and got out of hand? These things could have been a lot worse – you could never feel safe in case something happens, as well as with the deliveries of the waste travelling through our city.”
