Just months after it was revealed Tomerong Quarry breached its licence by importing carcinogenic fly ash, the Environment Protection Authority has released a damning report which confirms the company imported and buried asbestos in the quarry.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The report was delivered publicly at the Tomerong Community Forum on Monday night, where more than 150 concerned citizens met to discuss health concerns raised by recent revelations about the quarry’s activities.
In 2012, the EPA identified the presence of waste materials including construction and demolition waste, buried beneath a rehabilitated section of the quarry pit area – including a small amount of bonded asbestos waste.
The EPA is satisfied all asbestos was removed and buried at an offsite location, and an inspection was carried out to ensure there was no more asbestos at the quarry.
“What else is in there? That’s what we need to know,” community spokesman Peter Allison said.
“I’m not going to let up. If the EPA and council staff had done their job in the first place and cracked down on this company we wouldn’t be in this position.”
South Coast MP Shelley Hancock attended the meeting, and pledged to act as a conduit between the community and the EPA.
With concerns about contamination of drinking water rife, she also committed to working alongside NSW Health to ensure water tanks in homes nearby the quarry are safe to drink from.
“This is a story of ongoing, blatant flaunting of the rules,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Council has been issuing fines, the EPA has stepped in, but nothing has compelled the company to comply.
“The company’s clearly on notice.
“If they don't take action, their licence will be cancelled.
“We need a quarry here, but not at the expense of the community.”
Mr Allison said the community was optimistic about the matter, with Mrs Hancock advocating for them.
“I think Shelley was shocked by the level of non-compliance, shocked by what her community has been exposed to,” he said.
“We’re delighted Shelley has come onboard.”