GRANT District Council has carried out a desktop audit of waste handling sites within its boundary following community uproar over the Sandyridge quarry asbestos application.
With the outcome of the Cafpirco Road Sandyridge application yet to be resolved, council has reviewed approvals linked to other EPA-licensed waste sites across the district.
The approvals focused on what type of activities occurred on the properties, including whether they handled potentially deadly asbestos material.
Six sites were identified as having EPA and council approval to conduct waste handling activities.
These waste site include Sandyridge Holdings at Compton, Caroline Landfill operated by Mount Gambier City Council, GT Bobcat at Worrolong, Gambier Earth Movers at OB Flat and P.J & S.L Hennan on Cafpirco Road.
Amberich – operating at Envirocycle Scrap Metals – also has allotment on Megaw Road, which recently attracted legal action and media interest.
“There are currently two landfill sites within the council area licensed to accept and dispose of non-friable asbestos,” a council report said.
“Minor complaints have been received over the years in regards to several of these sites.”
Some of those complaints had been referred to the EPA as possible breaches of licence conditions.
“However, according to council files, no major or ongoing compliance issues have been recorded,” the report said.
Some outstanding issues continue with the Amberich Megaw Road property.
Speaking at this week’s meeting, council environmental services director Leith McEvoy revealed there would be a number of illegal sites operating that council would not be aware of.
Cr Barry Kuhl questioned whether council should be worried about issues arising similar to Sandyridge Holdings at other sites.
“I do not want to see another Sandyridge situation,” Cr Kuhl said.
He said he wanted to see more information on whether other sites could legally take asbestos in the future.
In response, Mr McEvoy said the planning process could not make companies come back with an application to vary their approval.
“I guess we could open up discussions with the EPA in relation to that and how this could be managed into the future,” he said.
Council discussed the Sandyridge issue in confidence away from media.
