Key events
Recycal Pty Ltd (Recycal) is a scrap metal processor on George Town Road Rocherlea, which has been regulated by the EPA since 2019. Dust emissions from the site are associated with the metal shredder, shredder floc processing, other site activities, and large shredder floc stockpiles stored in the yard.
In February 2024, the EPA issued an Environment Protection Notice to Recycal which required it to cease shredding and shredder floc processing and to remove or cover the floc stockpiles. In May 2024, the EPA applied a temporary dust suppressant to the floc stockpiles.
In early 2024, Public Health Services (PHS) engaged with local businesses and
residents to provide precautionary
advice about how to avoid lead in dust through cleaning. Blood lead testing was
also made available to residents and workers in the area.
The EPA and PHS engaged specialist consultants to undertake a detailed environmental investigation and a Human Health Risk Assessment focussing on lead in dust.
The environmental investigation
The investigation covered an area within approximately 500m of the Recycal site and included commercial and industrial properties to the southwest, south, and southeast; school zones to the southwest; care facilities to the east; sports and recreational facilities to the northeast; residential zones to the south and east; and agricultural land to the north.
Soil, dust, air and water samples were collected across the investigation area and were subject to analysis for a range of contaminants.
These investigation results were used to inform the detailed Human Health Risk Assessment.
Rocherlea Human Health Risk Assessment (PDF 1Mb)
Key investigation findings
The Recycal site was confirmed as the primary source of elevated concentrations of lead and other metals in surface dust and soil samples from the surrounding area.
Lead was confirmed as the key contaminant of concern from a public health risk perspective.
Dust was moving off-site from the Recycal site and was travelling in a south and south-east direction, with the wind.
Commercial and industrial areas closest to Recycal showed the highest contamination concentrations, dust levels decreased with distance from the recycling facility with schools, care facilities having lower concentrations.
Key risk assessment findings
The Human Health Risk Assessment found that without the interventions by the EPA and PHS, lead dust emissions from the Recycal site posed a moderate to high risk to the health of workers in nearby commercial and industrial properties. Relatively lower risks were identified for residential areas, schools, and care facilities.
The application by the EPA of dust suppressant to the shredder floc stockpiles in May 2024 resulted in a marked reduction in metal deposition in the surrounding areas, minimising health risks.
Advice provided by PHS to remove visible dust from surfaces was effective in minimising lead exposure when followed, and specific advice was provided on targeted cleaning at several commercial and industrial properties resulting in low ongoing risks to the health of the local community.
Ongoing work
The EPA continues to enforce suspension of shredding and floc processing and requiring removal of the floc stockpiles. The EPA is also commencing ongoing monitoring to understand the nature and extent of dust emissions from the Recycal site.
Once the shredder floc stockpiles are removed, additional environmental risk management and dust mitigation measures for the shredder and floc processing equipment will be required of Recycal, including the control of shredder floc stockpile size and mitigation for other dust producing activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Recycal?
Recycal Pty Ltd operates a large-scale scrap metal processing facility within the Rocherlea industrial estate and receives diverse scrap metal items from across Tasmania for processing.
How does the metal processing work?
Scrap metal items are fed through a large metal shredder and the shredding process recovers magnetic metals and produces by-products collectively called shredder floc. Floc is then further processed to remove non-magnetic metals. Metal is also cut up at the site and sent for recycling.
What is shredder floc?
Shredder floc is a by-product of metal shredding and is a controlled waste under Tasmanian law because it is contaminated with various substances including metals, hydrocarbons, plastics, wood, rubber, foam, and fine particles, that can pose risks to the environment or human health.
When did Recycal commence shredder floc production?
Limited shredder floc production commenced at the Recycal site in late 2019, with shredder floc initially stockpiled in a large storage shed. Over 2022 - 2023, additional shredder floc processing equipment was installed.
A significant fire in the shredder floc storage shed in early 2022 and ongoing shredding led to shredder floc being stored outdoors, exacerbating the potential for dust emissions.
When did the EPA discover Recycal's actions were posing environmental health risks?
With large volumes of shredder floc stored uncovered in the Recycal yard, in contravention of Recycal's permit, the EPA became concerned about potential for increased dust emissions from the site.
The EPA conducted preliminary dust sampling on nearby premises in August and October 2023. The results showed metals, including lead, were present in dust above background levels. The Director of Public Health determined the dust sampling results indicated potential public health risks in the Rocherlea industrial area that warranted a detailed study and precautionary public health advice to people working or living in or near the Rocherlea industrial area.
Is Recycal compliant with the environmental requirements in its permit?
Recycal is substantially non-compliant with the environmental requirements of its permit to operate. The non-compliances largely relate to excessive stockpiling and associated fire risk, contaminated waste management, discharge of polluted stormwater from the site, and failure to control dust emissions.
What actions has the EPA taken in response to the Human Health Risk Assessment and Recycal's non-compliance with the environmental requirements of its permit?
The EPA has taken multiple compliance and enforcement actions, including issuing Environment Protection Notices and imposing fines.
The EPA is also investigating Recycal for alleged offences under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
In response to the Human Health Risk Assessment outcomes, the EPA is considering further changes to the environmental requirements in its permit for the Rocherlea site, and is working with Recycal to ensure environmental management at the site is improved.
Published on:
30/10/2024