Media Release

Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority NTEPA issues Pollution Abatement Notice for illegal tyre stockpiles

10 December 2021

The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NTEPA) has issued a Pollution Abatement Notice (PAN) to remove over 3000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres illegally stored at an Acacia Hills property by Ecoflex NT, a NT licensed company based in Victoria.

The tyres stored at Acacia Hills pose a significant risk to the environment and Territorians. Stockpiled tyres can release toxic chemicals into the ground, causing contamination of soil and ground water.

The large tyre stockpiles are also a serious fire hazard, putting neighbouring properties at risk and inhibiting fire-fighting abilities. Tyres can burn for extended periods and the inhalation of fine smoke particles from combusting tyres are a significant risk to human health and the environment.

Ecoflex accumulated tyres over a number of years in contravention of its licence. The breach of licence was detected in 2019 and the NTEPA has worked closely with Ecoflex since then to bring the activity back into compliance, whilst trying to maintain the option for Ecoflex to use the tyres in a proposed waste to energy plant.

Quotes by Dr Paul Vogel, Chairman of the NTEPA

“The NTEPA takes these matters very seriously. It is disappointing that Ecoflex, despite every opportunity to do so, failed to comply with its licence and carry-out the required actions to ensure the environment and Territorians are protected from the risks posed by the illegal storage of thousands of tonnes of used tyres.

“The NTEPA is committed to using the powers afforded by the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act to protect the environment.”

Ecoflex must remove the tyres from Acacia Hills by 21 February 2022.

Media contact

DEPWS Media Manager 0476 844 832

Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority

GPO Box 3675

Darwin NT 0801

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