Arnold Vitocco, the director of Freescale, and businessman Adrian Runko, the director of Runkorp, are not facing charges in a case involving LoadingVE Resource Recovery. The company has been charged with failing to carry out its activities competently, and Vitocco, as director, is facing an executive liability offence. Vitocco, a prominent businessman known for his work on the Narellan Town Centre and plans for a 7000-home housing development in Bringelly, purchased the Australian branch of the Max Brenner chain in 2019. Greenlife Resource Recovery Facility (GRRF) has denied the allegations and stated that they take their environmental obligations seriously and have strict protocols in place to ensure their products are not contaminated.
A source involved in the case mentioned that various lines of inquiry have been followed, including tracing truck movements and using weighbridge data to track material being transported across Sydney. Environment minister Penny Sharpe commended the investigators and stated that it is illegal for mulch to contain asbestos. The Minns Labor government has increased penalties for environmental crimes, including those involving asbestos. The asbestos discoveries resulted in the closure of numerous parks, schools, playgrounds, and the cancellation of events like Mardi Gras Fair Day. Most of the asbestos found was bonded and not easily inhaled, posing a minimal health risk.
A spokesperson for GRRF reiterated their innocence and commitment to upholding environmental standards, denying any asbestos contamination at their Bringelly site. They explained that their supply chain is complex and that asbestos contamination can occur through various scenarios, such as delivering clean materials to a remediated site where they are mixed with existing materials. The legal proceedings in this case are set to continue, with a directions hearing scheduled at the NSW Land and Environment Court on February 7. The investigation has involved multiple government departments to ensure a thorough examination of the allegations.
The media has been informed of the allegations before the company received the file documents, prompting GRRF to speak out and defend their reputation. They emphasized their strict protocols and commitment to environmental obligations, dismissing the accusations of asbestos contamination. The involvement of prominent businessmen like Vitocco and Runko in the case has drawn attention to the importance of upholding environmental standards and ensuring compliance with regulations. The closure of public facilities and events due to asbestos contamination highlights the potential risks associated with improper waste management practices.
Arnold Vitocco’s involvement as a director in the case concerning LoadingVE Resource Recovery has brought attention to the issue of executive liability in environmental offenses. The charges against the company and Vitocco have raised concerns about the potential impact of asbestos contamination on public health and the environment. The denial of the allegations by GRRF and the commitment to defending their innocence underscores the complexity of the case and the need for a thorough investigation. The legal proceedings and ongoing investigations will shed further light on the allegations and determine the accountability of those involved in the case.
