The EPA was called to investigate the dumping in October by Port Stephens Council of up to 2000 tonnes of soil and debris at the Bruce MacKenzie equestrian complex for the development of a BMX track.  

The dumping of material was authorised by Port mayor Bruce MacKenzie and has consequently drawn howls of protest from the equestrian fraternity.

‘‘Ideally the contaminated material at Salt Ash should be removed from the site and an apology sent to members of the Alexander Park 355C committee,’’ Cr Dingle said.

‘‘I was later told [by council officers] that the Ferodale Road material was also tested and okayed but now I’m not so sure. I would like to have it tested by the EPA.’’

Cr MacKenzie said he believed that Cr Dingle’s action were politically motivated.

‘‘At the end of the day the material at Salt Ash won’t be shifted, we would take the matter to the Land and Environment Court if we must.’’

An EPA spokesperson said that officers were still investigating the alleged unlawful transport and storage of waste at the Richardson Road complex.

‘‘EPA tests on the soil have indicated that it meets the action criteria for treatment under the Acid Sulfate Soils Manual 1998,’’ the spokesperson said.

‘‘The council has been voluntarily working with the EPA in the management, treatment and removal of the soil. No clean up notices have been issued to Port Stephens Council to date.’’

A council spokesperson said that it would comply with any direction from EPA.

‘‘The council staff [have been] on site treating the stockpile at Salt Ash with a liquid lime base in accordance with direction from the EPA. The treatment ensures that the material complies with ENM (Excavated Natural Materials) classification.

‘‘Work was expected to re-commence on the site on January 4, 2016. The council and our geotech provider both believe that the soil contains no acid sulphate and poses no risk to the public,” the spokesperson said.