Asbestos contamination at Litchfield waste transfer stations
Reactiveness turned into proactiveness. NT EPA takes a closer look at Waste Transfer station compliance.
During an inspection in June, Environmental Regulators discovered demolition waste containing asbestos at Howard Springs and Humpty Doo Transfer stations. The stations are not licenced to store asbestos.
The matter was triaged in accordance with the Division’s Triage Guideline and an investigation commenced immediately in collaboration with NT WorkSafe.
The Environmental Regulation Division is committed to regulating in accordance with the PACCT principles (proportionate, accountable, consistent, targeted and transparent).
As a result of the investigation, Litchfield Council was issued two directions by NT EPA officers to ensure the impacted material was immediately contained. Council has complied.
Warnings were also issued to ensure non-compliances of this kind do not occur in the future.
Our Regulation team has also amended the Environment Protection Licences to include new performance conditions to ensure asbestos and other unlicenced waste streams will be identified and prevented from entering the facilities in the future.
Environmental Regulation officers are assisting Council with its proposed approach for remedial options for the impacted material. These options will be considered by the NT EPA in due course.
The Regulation Division is committed to delivering positive environmental outcomes for the Northern Territory and ensuring compliance with the Northern Territory’s environmental laws is key to achieving this.
To ensure everyone understands how they can comply with the law, our Regulation team has commenced a campaign targeting waste transfer stations and improving their environmental outcomes. This is a commitment in our 2024-25 Compliance Plan.
The Northern Territory’s environmental regulator is committing to taking action when it sees non-compliance and to supporting those that wish to comply.
If you have questions about our approach to compliance or what it means to comply, please reach out to us.
