Community & Business
13 July, 2024
Assurance over PFAS dumping
LOCALS have raised questions about “dozens of gravel trucks and trailers” that have been travelling up the Palmertson Range and onto the Springmount waste facility near Walkamin, fearing they are carting contaminated soil from Townsville.
Readers have contacted The Express inquiring about what is being transported to the waste facility, suggesting that the contaminated soil contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, which could pose a danger if it leached into the Walsh River catchment.
PFAS foam has historically been used as a firefighting foam and is still used in the making of plastics and household items including furniture, carpet, food packaging and cosmetics.
A spokesperson from Remondis, which operates the Springmount waste facility, has advised locals there is nothing to be worried about.
“There have been additional truck movements to the Springmount site over the past couple of weeks, which will cease by the end of this week,” the spokesperson said.
“For context, much of the general household waste we accept would have higher PFAS concentrations than this material.
“Like most landfill sites in Australia, Springmount is licensed to accept such materials.
“Everything we do is approved and heavily regulated by Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
“There are strict limits on what we can and can’t accept. Mandatory onsite monitoring and testing is ongoing as per our operating conditions.
“It is important to understand that such material has to end up somewhere. As a global waste management leader, we step up to the mark by providing a safe means of disposal, and a critical community service.”
