Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined a Stawell site owner for failing to produce an emergency management plan (EMP) relating to the storage of millions of used tyres on site.
EPA issued a Pollution Abatement Notice (PAN) last November requiring the site operator produce an EMP outlining how to manage and reduce potential fire risks at the former Stawell motorway tyre site.
However, the plan was not received by its December 2014 compliance date, and the site operator subsequently fined $1771.
EPA Acting North West Regional Manager Danny Childs said new regulations introduced last month enabled EPA to enforce rules around the appropriate storage of used tyres.
“EPA has been working through solutions in conjunction with other government stakeholders at the former Stawell motorway site for some time, however the introduction of new tyre storage regulations now puts us in a stronger position to take action.
“EPA acknowledges that the current situation is unacceptable as the site is close to the township and the tyres are surrounded by vegetation, which could pose considerable pollution risks in the event of a fire.
“EPA also issued a PAN in February requesting the staged removal of the tyres at the premises and stage one is required to be completed by July 2015.
“EPA is committed to finding solutions to make this site safe for everyone and the environment.”
Under the new regulations, premises that store more than 40 tonnes or 5,000 waste tyres are now required to obtain a works approval and licence from EPA.