Operations on what was once an open cut iron ore mine in Michelago is set to restart after a two-year hiatus, much to local residents’ dismay. Photo: Supplied.
An alleged waste management facility in the rural township of Michelago has residents concerned for the safety of their families, livestock and native environment.
The block on Micalago Road, just a few minutes from Michelago village, has long been a sore point for locals. Several have reported serious health and safety concerns due to operations on the block over the past two years.
Zoned as Large Lot Residential, the block has an approved development application (DA) with Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC). The DA allows the owner to fill two ‘pits’, but only with VENM/ENM material, so a dwelling and horse arena can be built on top.
The site is classified as high quality grassland, a potential habitat for critically endangered native species and contains a First Nations artefact, according to DA documents.
Residents said they were not notified of the development by SMRC or given an opportunity for consultation prior to the start of works.
A nearby resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes the owner is using the block as a commercialised ‘tip’.
“I have seen the owner breach their DA so many times,” the resident alleged.
“They have also advertised on social media for unapproved fill types for up to $450 per load. If this is a commercial operation, zoning of the block makes it illegal.
“But this isn’t just about council agreements being breached. Our main concern is for local families’ safety.”
The operation was temporarily shut down in late 2022 while SMRC investigated reports of asbestos dumped on the site from a school in Cooma.
The resident, who raised concerns about the soil testing process with SMRC and the NSW Environment Protection Agency, has amassed hundreds of photos from neighbouring properties that show construction waste remaining in fill piles on site.
There’s also the issue of infrastructure damage and water contamination.
Heavy vehicles and dozers headed to the block have caused significant damage to unsealed Micalago Road, which is the only way in or out of the area for those living on it.
Operations in 2022 saw 50-plus truck and dog trailer combinations driving down the road each day.
A neighbour collected a water sample from one of the open cut pits in 2022 when it was pumped onto their land. SMRC councillor Luke Williamson viewed the resulting report, which detailed a number of heavy metals contaminating the water.
“The presence of high iron levels is a concern, but not surprising given the location,” he said. “However seeing almost triple the safe amount of lead and aluminium levels sitting at 14,300 micrograms per litre when 100 micrograms per litre is the recommended level… That is downright disturbing.
“I understand that this area is groundwater sensitive, which means underlying aquifers are vulnerable to contamination from activities on the surface.
“People on the road use bore water to supply their livestock and crops that they then consume. It is not safe.”
After attempting to work with SMRC for more than two years, several Micalago Road residents are up in arms and demanding a solution.
“I cannot describe how much this has impacted on our quality of life,” the nearby resident said.
“Council either needs to shut the facility down or pass the situation on to someone that will.”
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed it was aware of the issue and understood SMRC was looking into it.
An EPA spokesperson said it was up to council to assess on-site operations and determine potential impacts.
SMRC said non-compliances had been acted upon by council’s compliance officer and any future non-compliance would be dealt with in accordance with legal avenues.
The owner of the block in question was contacted by Region but declined to comment.
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