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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