Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has issued Toll Transport a penalty infringement notice after a chemical spill on the Monash Freeway in November last year.
The company was fined $7381 after a drum of aviation gas waste sprung a leak and dripped on a stretch of the freeway, forcing the closure of several lanes for a short period.
EPA CEO Nial Finegan said the spill was a breach of the company’s EPA permit for transporting the waste, which is why it was fined.
“The transport of waste such as this is regulated and controlled, and with that comes responsibility to ensure it is transported safely and securely and disposed of in an appropriate manner,” Mr Finegan said.
Mr Finegan said the fine was a timely reminder to transport companies to thoroughly check all containers before hitting the road.
“In this particular case the company said the drum looked from an initial inspection to be fit-for-purpose. However, the bottom had rusted, which is where the leak occurred,” Mr Finegan said.
“A closer inspection would have revealed that the drum was not up to scratch and would have avoided potential pollution of Victoria’s environment.
“Thankfully, in this instance, the small amount of aviation gas waste that escaped was noticed by another vehicle and the driver was alerted quickly.”
Mr Finegan urged Victorians to report environmental pollution by calling EPA on 1300 372 842 or by visiting
www.epa.vic.gov.au