Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined Lamattina Beverages in Koorlong more than $7,000 for burning industrial waste materials in breach of the Environment Protection Act 1970.
EPA officers discovered the company was burning industrial waste materials, including plastic and various metal items, in a pit during an inspection of the juice factory, located 15km south west of Mildura, last September.
“It was unacceptable that Lamattina Beverages disposed of the industrial waste in this way, especially as there was a landfill nearby that could have accepted the waste,” EPA North West Acting Manager, Danny Childs, said.
“EPA takes it role as the environmental regulator extremely seriously. This incident should serve as notice to all operators that they need to follow appropriate procedures for disposal of waste.”
Lamattina Beverages were fined $7381. Officers also issued a clean-up notice to Lamattina Beverages to ensure the burnt debris was and removed and disposed of properly. EPA has since confirmed the company has complied with the clean-up requirements and the notice has been revoked.
EPA encourages anyone who witnesses pollution to report it to EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or www.epa.vic.gov.au