After the Andrews Labor Government tore up environmental protections for tunnel boring soil, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has now rushed through so-called environment management plans that will allow toxic PFAS soil to be dumped on suburban communities.
The EPA has waived through approvals for toxic tunnel soil from Labor’s West Gate Tunnel Project to be dumped at Maddingly Brown Coal in Bacchus Marsh and Hi Quality in Bulla, despite concerns for the safety of the local community and agricultural production.
Labor’s regulation changes removed the landfill levy which has given the foreign owned West Gate Tunnel contractors a tax-free ride to dump toxic soil after a commercial dispute that had brought construction to a halt.
The Victorian Liberal Nationals have taken urgent action to repeal these environment-destroying laws in the Victorian Parliament.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Bridget Vallence:
“The Andrews Labor Government does not care about protecting our environment and keeping communities safe from toxic PFAS soil.
“Labor sneakily rushed through new toxic laws and is now dumping its toxic problem onto residential communities.
“In a devastating blow to the communities of Bacchus Marsh and Bulla, the EPA is permitting toxic soil to be dumped just 200m from schools and homes, putting the health and wellbeing of local residents at risk.
“Labor’s new laws also give the foreign-owned West Gate Tunnel contractors a tax-free ride to dump toxic tunnel soil near homes and schools.
“No Labor Government project is worth dumping toxic PFAS soil on people’s doorsteps.”
