Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined the City of Ballarat more than $7000 for burning industrial and domestic waste at an unpermitted site in August last year.
Industrial and domestic waste materials including treated pine, mattresses and couches were just some of the items found near Ballarat Airport on 26 August.
Despite knowing the items had been dumped on top of green waste approved for burn-off, council failed to remove the stockpile prior to burning. They were subsequently fined $7381 for the offence.
EPA South West Manager Jason Young said the incident was serious and that council had an obligation to ensure such conduct didn’t happen.
“This incident could have easily been avoided if council applied their legislative requirements. These items should have been removed and disposed of to landfill,” he said.
“The smoke that comes from burning household and domestic waste is highly toxic and poses a major risk to the health of people and the environment.”
“This incident should serve as notice to all operators that they need to ensure appropriate procedures are not only put in place but that they are adhered to.”
EPA encourages anyone who witnesses illegal dumping pollution to report it to EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).