Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined Wodonga Rendering over $7500 for dumping industrial waste, which included a large number of dead, decaying animals, into an excavation pit at its property.
EPA North East Manager Clare Kiely said an EPA investigation into the dumping of waste on a flood plain off Carrolls Lane Wodonga began following a report from a concerned member of the community.
“EPA inspected the site and found the dead animals, which included a number of sheep, cows and a horse. Obviously when you have a large number of dead and decaying animals so close to residents, there is the potential for the creation of a foul stench that can impact on the local community, which is something nobody should have to experience,” Ms Kiely said.
“These illegal dumping activities are a clear breach of the Environment Protection Act 1970 and left EPA no choice but to impose the fine on Wodonga Rendering.”
The pit at the Wodonga Rendering site also contained household waste, including couches, electrical and general refuse, which has now been removed by the company.
Ms Kiely said the enforcement action against Wodonga Rendering follows statutory notices already issued to the company in order to manage odour.
“EPA currently has a pollution abatement notice (PAN) issued to Wodonga Rendering that requires the company to upgrade its bio-filters in line with accepted industry practice for odour management, by 31 March 2016. Wodonga Rendering has been inspected by EPA and is progressing with this requirement,” Ms Kiely said.
“Since 2013 eight PANs have been issued to the company to improve its environmental performance.”
EPA encourages the community to continue reporting pollution concerns immediately to its pollution hotline on 1300 372 842 (EPA VIC).