100 signatures reached
To: Moreland Council, Victorian state government and Environmental Protection Agency
No development on Toxic Site in Fawkner
Local residents have formed a campaign group Toxic Free Fawkner because we don't want to see development on such a risky site. We call on the state government, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Moreland Council to:
1. Consult with the local community about the quality and scope of an environmental audit and the future of the site (100 & 102 McBryde street, Fawkner, 3060 and surrounding areas); and,
2. Carry out an independent environmental audit of the site mentioned in point 1 and the surrounding sites, before any further development occurs on the site.
Why is this important?
Corporate giant Nufarm operated a chemical factory at 100 & 102 McBryde street, Fawkner, 3060 in the years 1957-1974. A 1990 EPA report found the site was heavily contaminated with dioxins and other chemicals (dioxin is the most toxic element of Agent Orange). Nufarm was ordered to clean up the site and the factory was demolished in the early 1990s. Dioxins are highly toxic, causing cancers and long-term health and environmental problems. Contamination at the site was found to be one of highest globally (Greenpeace Report 1991).
In the 1990s clean-up, some contaminated soil was removed and a clay cap used to contain contamination. A cancer cluster was found in the area. An application is before council to build warehouses on the site. It seems to breach the EPA conditions. Residents fear the release of toxins when construction work and excavation penatrates the clay cap.