In an Australian first, a new industry to recycle, process and dispose of end-of-life acetylene cylinders is being set up in Stawell, Victoria.
The new industry and jobs will be created as the clean-up of the illegal waste dump in Lemon Springs in the state’s north west moves into its final stages.
Australia’s first purpose-built, end-of-life acetylene cylinder treatment and disposal centre will be constructed at Stawell. The disposal facility will enable the clean-up of approximately 50,000 allegedly illegally dumped and buried acetylene cylinders at the Lemon Springs site and provide an ongoing national solution for recycling and safe disposal of used acetylene cylinders.
Enviropacific is the successful bidder for the disposal of the acetylene cylinders at Lemon Springs following a national tender process and will construct and operate the new Stawell facility.
EPA CEO Lee Miezis said with the Lemon Springs site almost cleared, a solution to the safe disposal of the cylinders was the logical next step.
“Our involvement in addressing such a significant legacy of waste mismanagement has created a national solution and a new market that provides a solution to a national problem that is only just coming to light,” Mr Miezis said.
“It will create a new industry and employment opportunities for the north west.”
Mr Miezis said the bad old days of treating the environment as a waste dump by those who aimed to profit from illegal and unacceptable behaviour are over.
“This work will also send a clear message to those who may be thinking about profiting at the expense of community safety. We will do whatever is needed to protect our community and environment.”
Since remediation works by EPA began following the discovery of the site in 2018, more than 1,500 tonnes of liquid waste, 7,500 tonnes of contaminated soil and 2,400 kilolitres of contaminated water has been removed from the site.
Of the 50,000 cylinders estimated at the site, 43,000 have been removed and stored, awaiting further assessment and treatment.
A criminal investigation has resulted in a person being charged and awaiting trial.
