EPA charge SKM over 2017 recycling plant fire

The company and director at the centre of the July 2017 Coolaroo recycling plant fire have been charged by the Environmental Protection Authority Victoria.

The blaze at Maffra St, Coolaroo took several days to bring under control and the EPA alleges the pollution caused had the potential to be harmful to humans and the environment.

EPA CEO Dr Cathey Wilkinson today confirmed that SKM Services Pty Ltd and its director have been charged with relevant offences under the Environment Protection Act 1970.

Robert Leo Italiano is listed as the sole director of SKM Services Pty Ltd.

“As this matter is now before the courts, further comment would be inappropriate,” she said

Councils have been left scrambling following an EPA ban on SKM Recycling - responsible for receiving about half of Victoria's kerbside recycling - handed down in February and effectively stopping them from accepting material at the Coolaroo and Laverton North sites.

EPA CEO Dr Cathy Wilkinson said that in the event of a fire at either site, large amounts of plastic materials could generate significant community impacts from smoke.

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"These waste stockpiles could pose a significant risk and challenge for firefighting agencies if ignited,” Dr Wilkinson said.

“Fire water run off could also enter waterways and have long-lasting impacts on the environment due to the toxic contaminants.”

Dr Wilkinson said EPA officers recently inspected both sites and observed large stockpiles of combustible recyclable waste materials from kerb-side collections stored without appropriate separation distances between piles, buildings or the premises boundary.

9News.com.au have contacted SKM Recycling for comment.