A Seymour man who allowed industrial waste to be dumped on his property and later burnt it, has been convicted, placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and ordered to pay Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) costs of $1000.
The man pleaded guilty last month in the Seymour Magistrates’ Court to dumping industrial waste and discarding industrial waste by burning and was convicted on both charges.
Between April and May 2014, the man allowed a demolition contractor to store industrial waste on his Seymour property.
The property was not licenced to accept waste and the man did not receive any money as part of the arrangement.
A sample taken from the waste was found to contain asbestos.
The prosecution case detailed that industrial waste was burnt on four separate occasions between June and October 2014.
EPA North East Manager Emma Knights said it was important that industrial waste was properly stored and dealt with.
“Improperly stored industrial waste has the potential to compromise public and environmental health,” she said.
“Council-issued burn-off permits do not cover industrial waste and if you are unsure of the background and composition of materials you should not burn them.”
Ms Knights thanked the community witnesses, CFA, local police and Mitchell Shire Council for their co-operation and vigilance.
“Everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment and I urge anyone who sees pollution, contamination or suspected illegally behaviour to contact the 24-hour EPA Pollution Hotline on 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842),” she said.