By Laura Michell
Broadmeadows residents want tougher regulations for recyclers following a fire at a Campbellfield factory.
The Colbert Road factory caught fire about 8pm on January 18 and took more than 80 firefighters six hours to bring under control.
A watch and act message was issued for Campbellfield, Lalor, Somerton, Thomastown, Dallas, Coolaroo and Roxburgh Park as thick black smoke from the fire moved over the northern suburbs. It is believed the factory was being used to store batteries and machinery.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, while the Environment Protection Agency is set to investigate whether the factory was breaching the Environment Protection Act.
EPA metro region manager Daniel Hunt said the operator of the factory had organised for the contaminated water to be pumped out of Merri Creek.
“EPA recommends that people and pets avoid direct contact with Merri Creek until further notice,” he said. “EPA officers have taken water samples along the creek and are organising for longer-term sampling as part of assessing the environmental impacts of the fire.”
As reported by Star Weekly, the Broadmeadows Progress Association wants tougher regulations for recyclers, fearing it was only a matter of time before there was another fire in the area.
The association has questioned why Hume residents are “constantly” being exposed to such risks.
The group will hold a meeting on Thursday, February 7, to discuss the risk posed by recyclers in the area and a possible community campaign.
“From the increasing occurrence of the these incidents, the question is, are the state government, Hume council, EPA and WorkSafe effectively monitoring these sites? Do regular, unannounced spot checks occur? Are the laws that govern these industries adequate? Are penalties adequate? Enough is enough,” the association said.
