Environmental Watchdog Probes Scrap Metal Fire

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Tasmania's environmental watchdog is investigating a fire at a scrap metal recycling facility that involved cars and plastic among 200 cubic metres of waste material.

The blaze on Monday afternoon at a business in Hobart's northern suburbs took about five hours to extinguish with aerial support.

 A smoke alert was issued for surrounding suburbs.

The Environment Protection Authority attended the scene at the request of the Tasmania Fire Service to assess and advise on managing potential issues.

"The EPA, Brighton Council, State Emergency Service and a local contractor worked promptly to minimise the amount of fire water that discharged to the nearby waterways, including the Jordan River," the authority said in a statement on Wednesday.

 The incident may have involved breaches of environment and pollution law, it said.

"Therefore, the EPA has initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances and impact of this fire to determine whether any of Tasmania's environmental laws were contravened."

The authority has ordered the facility's operator Recycal not to remove any material from the premises until February 21.

 The Tasmania Fire Service determined the blaze was accidental, but said investigations into its cause are ongoing.

Recycal has been contacted for comment.

 Courtesy: www.mandurahmail.com.au