URGENT UPDATE: A North Wangaratta particle board manufacturing business, Alpine MDF Industries, has been hit with a hefty $45,000 fine after a shocking incident where over 300 kilograms of fine wood fibres were discharged into the air, impacting properties up to 1.5 kilometres away. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed that this environmental breach occurred on April 25, 2023, and has prompted serious health and safety concerns.
The incident unfolded at approximately 8:00 AM when a hatch on an industrial dryer at the Crosher Lane factory became dislodged, releasing a cloud of fine wood fibres that “rained down” for a staggering 23 minutes. Neighbours reported significant fallout, with one local business forced to close for an entire week due to health risks. Emergency services received calls from individuals experiencing breathing difficulties attributed to the airborne debris.
In response to this dangerous situation, a massive clean-up operation has been initiated, targeting affected paddocks and dams on nearby farms. The EPA has charged Alpine MDF Industries with serious violations, including breaching its operating licence and discharging visible emissions into the air unlawfully.
A magistrate has mandated that the company not only pay the $45,000 fine but also an additional $5,819 in costs. Furthermore, the company is required to publicly announce the details of this penalty, ensuring transparency about the repercussions of their actions.
The fines will contribute to environmental restoration efforts, including the removal of invasive species such as blackberries and desert ash trees from areas around Reedy Creek, Yellow Creek, and Stamps Lane. In a positive turn, native species will be replanted in these areas, promoting ecological recovery.
This incident comes as Alpine MDF Industries faces additional legal challenges. On June 29, 2023, WorkSafe staff charged the business after a worker suffered serious injuries when their arm became entangled in machinery that allegedly lacked proper guarding. The case remains open, with a court date scheduled for October 20, 2023.
Additionally, firefighters responded to a fire at the Crosher Lane factory on September 7, as a blaze erupted in a drying machine. This series of incidents raises serious questions about the operational safety standards at the facility.
As authorities continue to investigate and address these critical issues, the community remains on high alert. The impacts of the air discharge are still being evaluated, and the local population is urged to stay informed about ongoing developments.
For updates on this story and more, stay tuned as we report further on the repercussions of this incident and the upcoming court proceedings against Alpine MDF Industries.
