By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Fresh reports of thick “sawdust storms” have emerged in Hallam, just ahead of scheduled Environment Protection Authority Victoria inspections of two soil yards.
Business owner Zlatibor Prvulovic told Star News that his neighbouring industrial chemist lab continues to be showered by sawdust, four months after the EPA issued Pollution Abatement Notices to the yards operated by Bark King and Folino Plant Hire.
Mr Prvulovic said the most recent “storm” was carried by a southerly wind onto businesses in Bolt Court on 8 September.
“At times the sawdust storm is quite thick, impossible to breathe and to have your eyes open.
“I’ve had enough of breathing sawdust, it’s totally ridiculous.
“This problem has been going on for over a year.”
In a statement, the EPA said it had received site layout and dust management plans from both soil yard proprietors – with an extension of deadline requested by Folino Plant Hire.
“EPA is currently assessing the dust management plans for both sites, and will inspect both sites in the next fortnight to confirm that appropriate site controls have been implemented.”
In May, Bark King and Folino were issued PANs – with a 31 August deadline to prevent dust escaping their boundaries.
According to the notices, excessive rates of dust deposits from the yards had coated a neighbouring industrial workplace.
The highest reading of dust in nearby Bolt Court was 9.42 grams per square metre per month in January – more than double the four-gram amenity standard in NSW.
“Numerous potential sources of dust are present on your premises and likely to be a source of dust emissions,” the notices stated to Bark King Group and Folino Plant Hire.
Hampton Park residents living about 300 metres south of the yards have also long complained of dust pollution.
The residents in Rowland Close and Glenora Way report regular and severe hay-fever, skin hives, asthma attacks, coughing and sore eyes suffered by children, young and old residents alike.
If they fail to comply, the companies face fines of up to $777,300 if prosecuted in court.
