EPA Victoria has ordered a thorough clean-up and launched an official investigation, after an incident on ANZAC Day when a large quantity of wood fibre material escaped Alpine MDF’s North Wangaratta facility.

EPA officers are looking into any breaches of the company’s EPA licence.

EPA Northeast Regional Manager Renee Palmer says from the moment the incident happened, the main priorities have been to eliminate risk to the public and ensure it can’t happen again.

The escaped fibre covered a large area including homes, farms and businesses nearby and at the time emergency services warned residents to stay indoors until the incident was over. 

“EPA today issued the company with a regulatory notice requiring a clean-up designed to remove any risks to the public,” Ms Palmer said.

“That adds to a notice we issued earlier, requiring the company to take necessary steps to prevent a similar incident from occurring,” Renee Palmer, Manager EPA Northeast Region said.

The notices give written instructions on what must happen with clear deadlines for completion.

“EPA officers are in touch with affected residents, and we will meet with the company to discuss what’s expected of them,” she said.

EPA’s health advice to anyone who comes into contact with the wood fibre, is that it can cause short term respiratory and skin irritation.

“Any health issues would be expected to be short term, but of course see a medical professional if you have concerns. If you have pets, clean their coats if they have been in contact with the fibres and wash any garden fruit or vegetables thoroughly before eating.

“EPA is investigating the cause of the escape and whether there have been breaches of the Alpine MDF’s licence or the General Environmental Duty,” Ms Palmer said.

The General Environmental Duty is a part of the Environment Protection Act 2017 that requires all Victorians to take all reasonable measures to prevent harm to the environment and human health.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution