Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined the owner of a Bendigo gardening business more than $1700 for collecting industrial waste from a local hotel then dumping it in the Greater Bendigo National Park.
EPA and Parks Victoria conducted a joint investigation which found that waste had been dumped in a pit in the Greater Bendigo National Park, along Rifle Range Road near Eaglehawk.
The rubbish from the hotel establishment included kitchen waste, bottles, cans and plastic.
In February this year, a sole contractor was hired by a local business to remove and appropriately dispose of waste from their premises.
The joint EPA Parks Victoria investigation found that the owner of the gardening business dumped the industrial type waste at a site not permitted to accept, an offence under Section 27A(2)(a) of the Environment Protection Act.
The Act defines industrial waste as any waste arising from industrial, commercial or trade activities. In this case the waste had come from and was collected by a commercial operation. The owner was subsequently fined $1771.
EPA North West Acting Manager, Danny Childs said evidence Parks Victoria gathered when they were first notified of the incident helped EPA to act promptly in enforcing the law.
“EPA and Parks Victoria will continue to maintain a strong presence and take a zero tolerance approach to illegal dumping across the state.”
“Depositing industrial waste in such an uncontrolled way can cause land pollution and groundwater contamination for future generations,” he said.
“Businesses who engage contractors to remove waste also have a responsibility in ensuring waste is disposed of appropriately.”
Parks Victoria Ranger Team Leader Mat Sobey said dumping rubbish in our parks was unsightly and potentially dangerous for visitors and impacts on native plants and animals.
“The Bendigo community can help put a stop to the damage being done to the natural environment and health of our parks by reporting suspicious activity or dumping,” he said.
“Keeping parks healthy and clean makes them great places for everyone to enjoy.”
EPA encourages the community to report pollution to its 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or by visiting www.epa.vic.gov.au