Compliance Officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) are targeting metal recyclers across South-East Queensland in an effort to reduce fire and environmental risks.
This follows four significant industrial fires at Queensland metal recovery facilities between June and September.
Acting Director of Industry Development and South-East Compliance at the DES, Eugene Immisch said the Compliance Officers were taking action to reduce fire risk at waste facilities and improve environmental performance.
“They are conducting targeted inspections of sites stockpiling combustible recyclable material, the aim being to identify and disrupt any unlawful behaviour that may pose a risk to the environment or the community,” Mr Immisch said.
“Waste fires often result in a release of harmful chemicals to the atmosphere and to waterways from the discharge of firefighting water.”
He said metal recyclers in South-East Queensland had seen an increase in waste at their sites resulting from the floods in February and March, which meant they were managing more combustible material than usual.
“Compliance Officers will be targeting these sites to ensure the operators are not only adhering to legislation and are following the guidelines, but are working towards best practice for the safety of their staff, the community and the environment,” Mr Immisch said.
He said the DES had published guidelines for waste management operators to reduce fire risks at their sites.
