A Donnybrook dairy company has received another $7,773 fine from Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) after it failed to comply with a notice that required it fix its infrastructure to prevent yogurt and cheese processing waste water from leaving its site.
Dalat Enterprises were required, under an EPA statutory notice, to modify its underground storage tank to prevent industrial waste (dairy effluent) from discharging to land.
The remedial notice was issued following an EPA investigation that found the company had allowed yogurt and cheese processing waste water to discharge about 200 metres onto surrounding paddocks.
EPA Metro Manager, Dan Hunt said the company received a $7,773 fine over the incident, which happened in August 2016, and was also issued with a remedial notice requiring it implement control measures on site to prevent a similar incident from occurring.
“However a follow up inspection on 8 December 2016 by EPA officers found that waste water was still flowing from the underground storage tank onto surrounding paddocks.”
“These discharges are easily preventable if the duty holder uses the correct infrastructure for the storage and timely removal of waste water.”
“Now they are faced with more than $15,000 in fines over the incident and for failing to make appropriate changes.”
“EPA will continue to ensure steps are taken by the company to comply and may investigate further sanctions through its Compliance and Enforcement Policy.”
Failure to comply with an EPA Pollution Abatement Notice is an offence under Section 31A(7) of the Environment Protection Act 1970.
Members of the public should continue to report suspected pollution to EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au