The first truckloads of waste materials have started rolling out of the illegal waste dump site at Lemon Springs in the state's north west.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) estimates about 100 tonnes of waste has already been excavated from the site and taken to appropriately licensed EPA facilities for treatment and disposal.
Last year, EPA used its powers to take control of the site and clean it up after the duty holder failed to do so. Since then EPA has laid charges against Graham Leslie White for breaches of the Environment Protection Act.
"Given the logistical challenges we face in remediating the site, the progress to date is impressive. Internal infrastructure to ensure safe handling and management of the excavated waste is in place allowing the removal of the waste to its final destination," said Mr Meizis following a recent visit to the Lemon Springs site to review the progress and meet with contractors EnviroPacific.
"Safety of the local environment, community, our workforce and contractors is paramount and we are taking all necessary measures."
EPA is working together with the contractors and an Environmental Auditor to determine appropriate additional groundwater well locations, which are scheduled to be installed mid May. The groundwater will continue to be tested, and the community being updated with the results. The next round of groundwater testing is due to take place soon.
CFA together with Forest Fire Management Victoria will be conducting a planned burn along the Kaniva-Edenhope Rd adjacent to the site in the coming weeks. EPA will be present during the planned burn to advise around safety if access to the site is required. Any queries in relation to the planned burn should be directed to CFA.
