Recycal's Rocherlea site ordered to shut operations after EPA finds evidence of lead contamination

ABC NEWS (Australia)

A metal recycling facility in Launceston has been ordered to partially halt its operations after elevated lead levels were found in dust. An investigation is underway to determine how far pollution extends into the nearby community.

Transcript

00:00 A fire at this metal recycling plant in Launceston's northern suburbs in 2022 prompted health concerns.

00:09 The Environment Protection Authority has scrutinised the recycle plant in Rochaleen, since taking

00:15 over as regulator in 2019.

00:18 Now it has a new worry.

00:20 We've identified that there is elevated levels of lead associated with dust within the close

00:26 proximity of the Launceston metal recycling facility at Rochaleen.

00:31 The recycle plant is on Georgetown Road in Rochaleen.

00:35 There are several businesses on either side and Brookes High School is across the road.

00:40 About 500 metres away are residential neighbourhoods with up to 70 homes.

00:45 The EPA has ordered recycle to immediately stop using a metal shredder that it says has

00:50 been releasing toxic dust into the air.

00:53 It says the dust releases have happened on and off for multiple years and continuously

00:57 for the last eight months.

00:59 They are required to undertake those actions within the course of the next seven days.

01:04 Exposure to lead fumes can cause health problems, affecting the brain and kidneys.

01:09 I should say that there's no evidence of harm to people that we're aware of at this stage.

01:15 Recycle employees are being tested for lead exposure.

01:18 So far none have tested above safe levels.

01:21 Employees are also offering blood tests to nearby residents and soil samples have been

01:26 taken from the nearby Brookes High School.

01:28 There was no evidence of lead or other metals at concentrations of any concern in the soil

01:35 from 30 different sites around the school.

01:38 The EPA says it's taking the matter further.

01:41 The EPA is in the matter of closing out a number of investigations that at this point

01:46 in my view will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

01:50 Public Health and the EPA say they'll keep the community informed about new developments.

01:55 [BLANK_AUDIO]

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