Further doubt has been thrown on the ability of local government and the environment watchdog to properly monitor a hazardous waste site planned for south-east Tasmania.
A group of residents at Carlton River is worried about contamination from the old Carlton tip, which was replaced by the Copping dump a decade ago.
Resident Darren McKay says the Sorell Council has not properly managed the Carlton landfill.
“Just looking around the site, it’s actually quite atrocious when you look round and see the condition it’s been left in,” he said.
“As soon as it gets rained on the water will drain through the toxic materials that exist and the result is leachate.”
Former tip operator and resident Denis Gillie says it raises serious questions about the hazardous waste dump proposed for Copping.
“Well if they couldn’t look after this place and do it according to the licence what bloody hope have they got down there?” he said.
Mr Gillie says he saw everything from household waste to old cars and batteries dumped at the site.
“There was no treatment, just get rid of it the best way you can, bury it and cover it up.”
The council says the Carlton landfill is being rehabilitated and there is no evidence of groundwater contamination.
The Environment Protection Authority says it is focussed on higher priority sites around the state.
