Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined Drouin company Meluca Group Pty more than $7,500 for crushing plasterboard at its site and allowing the resulting dust to impact on local residents and their properties.
EPA Gippsland Manager Stephen Lansdell said the EPA investigated the Weerong Road site after a report from the local community about dust impacts to EPA’s pollution hotline.
“EPA receives many reports from the community about dust and waste in Gippsland, and this is a great example of local people reporting pollution to us that has resulted in a company being fined for its inappropriate actions,” Mr Lansdell said.
Mr Lansdell said the fine was a reminder to all Gippsland businesses that it was important to ensure there were no impacts on the local environment as a result of activities conducted at their sites.
“In this instance the company should not have crushed the plasterboard and let dust leave the site onto neighbouring properties, as the dust is considered industrial waste,” Mr Lansdell said.
“EPA is committed to improving the environment in Gippsland and will remain actively involved in reducing dust issues around the region through its regulatory powers.”
EPA encourages the community to report pollution concerns in a timely manner to its pollution hotline as this gives EPA every opportunity of identifying pollution sources.
Suspected pollution should always be reported to EPA pollution’s hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au