EPA considers asbestos dump submissions

THE South Australian environmental regulator has received 35 submissions regarding the Sandyridge Holdings application.

In a statement late yesterday, an Environment Protection Authority spokesperson said the agency was aware of the Grant District Council meeting on Monday night.

“Written submissions regarding Sandyridge Holdings’ application for a process change to its current EPA licence closed on May 2,” the spokesperson said.

“The EPA received 35 written submissions. One of the submissions included a petition.”

The process now requires the submissions to be provided to the proponent (Sandyridge) for comment and response to the EPA addressing concerns raised in these submissions.

“Sandyridge will be required to provide its comments to the EPA by the end of May,” the spokesperson said.

“We are unable to pre-empt the outcome until the process is completed. This is expected to take a number of weeks.

“The EPA understands the council has previously provided planning approval for the Sandyridge landfill site to receive solid waste.”

The spokesperson said all “planning approval matters” should be directed to the council.

“Movement of asbestos waste across state borders is permissible and managed under the Commonwealth National Environment Protection Measure (NEMP),” they said.

“However, it requires a licensed facility that is approved to accept and dispose of this waste.”