Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined a Melton trucking company who admitted they stored used truck oil in old washing machines.
Mark and Raffaelina O’Donnell Transport Pty Ltd of Holland Drive Melton, have been fined $7,773 after locals complained to EPA about oil spilling into nearby Ryans Creek.
On inspection in late May this year, EPA officers found the oil discharging from the company’s premises into a stormwater drain feeding into the creek.
The officers were told by a company director that used oil from trucks had been stored in damaged washing machines and rainwater had caused the oil to overflow.
“This was an entirely predictable outcome and showed a disregard for the potential harm to the public and the environment,” said EPA Metro Manager Peter Kerr.
“The company has acted well below a standard that the community would find acceptable causing environmental damage to the creek and the surrounding soil. So a fine is appropriate.”
Testing of creek water showed the presence of oil. Melbourne Water has conducted clean-up operations to return it to its former healthy levels.
“The local community has acted very responsibly in contacting EPA to report this issue. I would encourage everyone to also be vigilant and to call EPA if they think there could be pollution issues on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).