Compliance officers with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) are continuing to monitor a smouldering green waste pile at the Wood Mulching Industries (WMI) composting site in Swanbank.
The fire was contained on 23 December, with one green waste stockpile continuing to produce smoke.
DESI has liaised with QFES, who have advised that the action being taken by WMI to smother the fire with soil is appropriate, as using water will likely generate more smoke.
DESI compliance officers returned to site yesterday and again today to monitor the company’s actions to extinguish the fire to ensure the operator is taking appropriate actions to manage the environmental risks as quickly as possible.
DESI compliance officers will review the cause of the fire and the operator’s response once it has been extinguished to determine if there have been any breaches to the company’s Environmental Authority.
DESI will consider enforcement action if such non-compliance is identified.
In March 2021, WMI was fined $13,345 by the Department for odour issues affecting residents in Redbank Plains.
To report pollution incidents to the Queensland Government, you can call the 24/7 Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372.
