Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has issued a penalty infringement notice to a Swan Hill business, following the illegal dumping of a large amount of plastic waste on a local farm.
Greg Bull Excavations Pty Ltd was this week fined $7381 for burying the large volumes of plastic waste sheets and broken PVC pipes.
EPA Manager North West Scott Pigdon said EPA was made aware of the illegal activities following a community report to EPA, and through the assistance of Swan Hill Rural City Council’s local laws office.
“When EPA officers went to inspect the property in Tresco West they observed a large area of freshly disturbed soil about 20m by 20m,” Mr Pigdon said.
“The clean-up notice has now been complied with, and the penalty infringement notice will hopefully serve as a good reminder to all businesses of the importance of appropriate waste disposal.”
Mr Pigdon said EPA had also issued a clean-up notice to another local farmer for the illegal storage of waste which had now been complied with.
“This company has also received an official warning from EPA,” Mr Pigdon said.
Mr Pigdon said EPA has specific guidance for the farming community around Farm Waste Management on its website, www.epa.vic.gov.au
“EPA also encourages the community to report pollution to EPA on 1300 372 842 or by visiting www.epa.vic.gov.au,” he said.