Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined Portland company Iron Horse Enterprises Pty Ltd (trading as WestVic Demolitions and Asbestos Removals) more than $7,500 for depositing industrial waste at a site not licensed to receive it.
EPA South West Manager Eve Graham said following a report from a member of the community to EPA’s pollution hotline, EPA investigated the Hamilton Rifle Range and found an estimated 700 tonnes of demolition waste illegally stored.
“Along with the fine, EPA also served the company with a clean up notice that required the removal of the waste to a facility with either an EPA licence or local government permit to accept the waste,” Ms Graham said.
“Iron Horse Enterprises has since applied to Southern Grampians Shire Council for a planning permit to carry out crushing of the waste at the premises for the purpose of constructing/repairing access roads and car parks.
“The planning permit application was approved by council and EPA has now withdrawn the clean up notice so the works can go ahead.”
Ms Graham said property developers, construction companies, sub-contractors and earthmovers all had obligations to manage any waste materials being generated from development, construction or demolition projects.
“If you are a soil cartage company, skip bin operator or truck driver hauling construction or demolition waste, you are considered to be a transporter of waste and can be guilty of an offence if the material is not delivered to an appropriate facility that can accept this material,” Ms Graham said.
For further information on how businesses can manage waste and comply with legislation, please visit www.epa.vic.gov.au
EPA urges members of the public to continue reporting suspected pollution to the EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au