UPDATE: A significant environmental dispute is unfolding as ESI Projects fights a crucial order from the EPA Victoria to clean up a contaminated soil mound in Bangholme. The hearing began on August 25, 2023, at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), with serious implications for local residents and environmental safety.
The contaminated mound, located at 576 Frankston-Dandenong Road, is alarming in its proximity, standing just 400 meters from the Willow Lodge retirement village. This towering mound allegedly contains toxic asbestos and heavy metals, and remains untouched despite an EPA order that expired six months ago.
The core of the dispute centers around ESI Projects’ claim that they have complied with all necessary protocols. In their defense, ESI Projects’ barrister stated that the company went “above and beyond” in its efforts to ensure the soil brought to the site was clean. However, the contamination reportedly stems from soil received via a third-party arrangement with Renex, a soil-treatment facility in Dandenong South.
The EPA contends that ESI Projects is responsible for allowing contaminated soil on the site, as they were operating under a three-year agreement with landowner Jakupi Flowers to accept a minimum of 400,000 cubic meters of fill. Under this arrangement, ESI was reportedly paid $4 plus GST per cubic meter. The EPA’s barrister argued that the company failed to secure its premises against unauthorized deliveries, which could have contributed to the contamination.
In a tense opening, ESI Projects argued that they should not be held accountable for the Environmental Action Notice demanding the removal of the contaminated soil. However, the EPA’s representative emphasized that even if ESI Projects were not directly responsible for unauthorized deliveries, they are still the best-equipped to handle the cleanup.
The VCAT hearings are scheduled to continue until August 28, 2023, with senior members Picha Djohan and Ian Potts presiding over this critical case. The outcome could directly impact the health and safety of nearby residents who have expressed growing concerns.
This ongoing battle highlights the urgent need for accountability in environmental management and raises questions about the protocols in place to prevent such hazardous situations. As the hearings progress, the community watches closely, fearing the potential ramifications of the contamination on their health and environment.
Stay tuned for updates as this critical case unfolds.
