By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
PROPONENTS of a controversial chemical storage facility in North Geelong’s Roseneath Ave are pushing ahead under the terms of existing permit conditions, local residents say.
A large blue tank was transported to the site and installed this week in preparation for the blending of aqueous ammonia, objectors spokesperson Anna Michalik, said.
“One of the residents spoke with the works and they told him the tank would be used for blending water and ammonia to create aqueous ammonia,” Ms Michalik said.
“That was what (former site operator) Ferro was doing on the site and it affected everyone nearby and was one of the reasons Ferro no longer operates there.
“If it was bad enough to stop the first time how can they just go ahead and do it again?”
The tank arrived as residents and objectors to the chemical storage proposal handed over petitions containing 916 signatures.
Resident Karl Haase said ammonia was classified a dangerous good and hazardous substance if released in the air or into water.
“If it is set up well there are generally no problems but if it’s like Ferro they’ll stink us out.”
The Independent reported two months ago that proponent Teleta Group had requested a four-week hiatus in its permit application following the spate of objections.
Company director Ryan McGarigle has said previously that storage figures put to council were maximum licence levels and the site already had approved permits for lower levels.
Mr McGarigle said residents had nothing to fear.
City of Greater Geelong planning general manager Peter Bettess said council was investigating.
Mr Bettess said the application was still before council, with planners awaiting further information from the applicant.
The Independent was unable to contact Mr McGarrigle for comment this week.
