The CFA will begin work to tackle toxic waste at its Fiskville training centre after a $400,000 project was approved by Moorabool council.
The project includes the construction of wetlands to treat stormwater, a new drainage system and earthworks to allow stormwater to bypass the site’s four dams.
The CFA was slammed in December, 2011 after firefighters claimed they had developed cancer from chemical exposure at the site.
In July 2012, a report by Professor Robert Joy found that residues from fire suppression foams previously used in training were present in dams at Fiskville. while significantly diluted traces would have entered a creek flowing off-site.
One resident earlier this year raised concerns that the proposed project to tackle the waste would damage the watercourse and questioned the effect the design could have on farmland downstream. He also queried whether the CFA had provided sufficient data about contamination at the site.
The CFA and the objector engaged in private discussion on August 28 about the concerns. The objector did not attend last week’s council meeting where the works were approved.
The new wetlands, covering 1600 square metres, will act as a sediment basin to filter pollutants and contain any spills.
A report presented to the council stated these works would assist water quality and reduce the passage of contaminants downstream.
The plans have also been supported by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Barwon Water.
A CFA spokesman said the project was part of the implementation of Professor Joy’s report.
Works are scheduled to begin next month and continue into next year.
