Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined a Broomfield resident over $3,500 for illegally receiving and burning industrial waste at a site not licensed to receive it.
EPA North West Manager Scott Pigdon said that following a report from a member of the community with concerns about illegal dumping at the property, an EPA investigation found large piles of stockpiled industrial waste.
“EPA officers observed a number of large waste timber stockpiles at the premises, one of which clearly had smoke coming from it,” Dr Pigdon said.
Dr Pigdon said the occupier of the site had admitted to receiving a number of different types of waste including paunch waste (abattoir waste) timber waste and resin.
“The person in question said they had received about 600 tonnes of timber waste and that the smoke was the result of a pyrolysis trial even through there was no planning permit or an EPA licence in place,” Dr Pigdon said.
“Financial incentives were received by the duty holder, and hence, with no permits to conduct such operations, they have gained an unfair advantage over other legal operators.
“These actions are a clear breach of the Environment Protection Act 1970, which is why EPA has handed down the fine of over $3,500.”
Dr Pigdon said EPA had issued the land occupier with a notice, which required all industrial waste to be removed from the site and that the burning of waste at the site to immediately cease until a permit from local council or an EPA approval is granted.
“It is imperative that industry ensures it has the correct council permits and EPA approvals in place prior to starting operations,” Dr Pigdon said.
EPA encourages members of the public to continue reporting suspected pollution to EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au