Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined the owner of a Dandenong South factory more than $7,500 for illegally dumping acid waste at the rear of its premises.
EPA Southern Metro Manager Leigh Bryant said an EPA investigation following a report from a member of the community had led to Entraprop Investments Pty Ltd being fined.
“EPA officers inspected the site after receiving information that waste acid had been dumped at the rear of a factory that was in the process of being sold,” Mr Bryant said.
“Witnesses observed a container containing green liquid being drained onto land at the rear of the premises. A running fire hose was also observed in the area, likely being used to try and dilute the acid.”
Mr Bryant said EPA officers had taken samples from the containers during the investigation.
“The results of EPA sampling indicated low pH levels and elevated levels of fluoride, consistent with what we would expect to find in this type of acid waste,” Mr Bryant said.
Mr Bryant said acid waste should always be disposed of appropriately and companies needed to ensure that waste of this nature was taken to a facility licensed to receive it.
“In this case the company engaged two people to assist in cleaning up the premises and is now paying for their actions. This fine is also a warning to businesses that they are responsible for the action of the people that they engage to work on their behalf,” Mr Bryant said.
Mr Bryant said the acid waste, which had since been removed, was generated from a previous business that operated at the premises as a solar water heater system manufacturer.
“Site owners should know what activities are occurring on their premises as clean-up could be at their expense. Owners have a responsibility for their property,” Mr Bryant said.
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