URGENT UPDATE: A North Wangaratta manufacturing facility has been hit with a hefty $45,000 fine after over 300 kilograms of fine wood fibres were discharged into the air, impacting properties as far as 1.5 kilometres away. The incident occurred at Alpine MDF Industries on April 25, 2023, and has raised serious concerns about public health and environmental safety.
According to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), a hatch on an industrial dryer at the Crosher Lane factory dislodged around 8:00 AM, causing fibres to “rain down” for at least 23 minutes. The fallout affected nearby homes and businesses, forcing one neighboring operation to close for an entire week. Disturbingly, a caller to emergency services reported experiencing breathing difficulties due to the incident.
The EPA’s investigation revealed that the discharges violated the company’s operating licence, leading to charges for breaching regulations regarding waste emissions. In addition to the fine, the magistrate ordered Alpine MDF to cover an extra $5,819 in costs and mandated that the company publicize the details of the penalty. The funds will support environmental restoration efforts, including the removal of invasive species such as blackberries and desert ash from areas around Reedy Creek and Yellow Creek.
This air pollution incident is not the only challenge facing Alpine MDF. WorkSafe has also charged the business following a serious workplace accident on June 29, 2023. A worker’s arm became entangled in machinery that allegedly lacked proper safety guards, resulting in significant injuries. That case is set to return to court on October 20, 2023.
Adding to the factory’s troubles, firefighters responded to a blaze at the Crosher Lane facility on September 7, 2023, which broke out in a drying machine, highlighting ongoing safety concerns at the site.
Residents and local officials are calling for stricter regulations and improved safety measures to prevent future incidents. The community’s health and well-being are at stake as they grapple with the fallout from this alarming discharge.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and watch for additional legal implications for Alpine MDF Industries as they face the courts next month.
