Campaign to end dust storm gathers speed

Local businesses and Sydney Councillors are battling against a dust storm in Alexandria from a recycling factory.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP has written to the O’Farrell Government requesting an independent review of the Reefway Recycling Factory that has been spewing dust onto nearby businesses.

The site is next to the planned Green Square Town Hall and Ms Moore said the factory is violating their environmental protection license as they are not controlling the dust hazard and do not have a phone complaint line open to them.

“Uncontrolled environmental impacts from industry in the area will threaten the City’s and the State’s vision for sustainable urban renewal in Green Square,” she wrote in a letter to NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell.

Councillor Irene Doutney said: “The area is rapidly changing with growing numbers using Green Square station and businesses in O’Riordon Street. It is time the Minister for the Environment and the Premier took a close look at the dust problems around Reefway and promoted a more environmentally appropriate site.”

Cr Doutney has received numerous phone call complaints about the site.

“I was shocked on entering the car dealership across the road from Reefway to find the cars covered in dust, solid particulate matter and fibres even though three industrial fans have been placed at the entrance to try and stop the dust entering.”

Some of the complaints include breathing problems and Cr Doutney said the owner of one of the nearby businesses has been trying to contact the Environmental Protection Agency for months.

“I would have thought that testing of the dust in the showroom is a matter of the utmost urgency.” Cr Doutney said.

Juliet Barr who owns nearby designer furniture company Wildwood said staffs from the surrounding businesses are getting sick and they are desperate for action.

“It’s crippling for workers and local businesses on O’Riordan St.”

Ms Barr said she is hoping the O’Farrell tweeted promise to submit a new pollution bill will mean a relocation of the recycling factory.

Since the complaints started months ago Reefway have promised to dedicate extra funds to dust suppression methods.

Reefway who were unavailable to comment on the matter have previously refuted claims that the dust was toxic.