Emails to the Editor: ‘Burnt tyre smells’ & frequent ‘business’ vehicles at Leanyer property equals ‘large commercial’ operations in a ‘residential’ area?

To: enviromentalregulation@nt.gov.au; admin@ecnt.org; pollution@nt.gov.au; envirohealthte@nt.gov.au

Cc: samuel.copelin@nt.gov.au; hello@justineforkarama.com.au; office@nt.greens.org.au; schlokforwanguri@outlook.com; mango@mangoinquirer.com

Subject: xxx Leanyer Drive, Leanyer Darwin NT

Dear Staff at the Department of Environment,

I write to you in regards to a residential property with address xxx Leanyer drive, Leanyer.

I reside in the suburb of Leanyer, Darwin.

I am writing to express my concerns regarding a large commercial business being operated from a residential property,  which I believe is polluting the environment by burning tyres and improperly disposing of toxic oils and solvents into the groundwater.

My concerns began in December 2023 when I noticed and smelled a significant amount of smoke emanating from the property, which had a distinct odour of burning rubber tyres.

A few days later, I observed a large pit at the rear of the property, alongside a substantial earthmoving machine. The pit contained the remains of numerous burned tyres, which I believe was the source of the smoke and burning smell.

Over the past few months, I have frequently noticed numerous individuals entering and leaving the property, all wearing work uniforms and driving vehicles bearing business signs.

On several occasions, I have witnessed people outside the premises engaging in conversations that appeared to be work-related meetings, rather than casual interactions among friends or acquaintances. This behaviour has been consistent, reinforcing my belief that a business operation is taking place.

Furthermore, a few months ago, I observed a large number of parked vehicles and buses next to a sizeable shed at the rear of the property. This leads me to suspect that a transport or taxi business might be operating from the site.

I am deeply concerned about the potential environmental impact of these activities, particularly regarding air and groundwater pollution. I urge the Department of Environment to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action to address any violations of environmental regulations.

I please ask that you consider forwarding this report to the relevant person in the department of business, or something like that, since the operation of a large commercial enterprise in a residential location is unfair to all of the other businesses that were forced to rent or purchase commercial premises.

I prefer not to write my name at this point in time because I am afraid of retaliation. Please inform me if this is acceptable, or if there is a way I can give you my name confidentially.Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

[The Mango Inquirer does not qualify the alleged observations being made in this email as fact]