Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Company Holdings Limited (Warrnambool Cheese and Butter) has been fined $7,929 for expanding its Allansford operations without a Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) Works Approval.
Warrnambool Cheese and Butter increased production capacity by 30 per cent in a 2017 upgrade but did not seek approval from the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA).
The upgrade to the cheese plant increased wastewater production and likely altered the air emissions and noise levels at the site.
EPA also issued Warrnambool Cheese and Butter an official warning for discharging irrigated wastewater beyond the boundary of the licensed site, and issued a Minor Works Pollution Abatement Notice to provide a plan for management of wastewater at the premises.
EPA South West Manager Carolyn Francis said the company should have sought a works approval or an exemption before beginning construction.
“If Warrnambool Cheese and Butter had applied for a works approval before carrying out this significant upgrade the offsite wastewater issues could have been avoided,” she said.
“The works approval process ensures businesses are designed and operated in a way that has no or minimal impact on the environment and public health, so it is disappointing that Warrnambool Cheese and Butter did not seek the appropriate approvals.
“Failure to make the appropriate application for approval undermines the legislation and can potentially put the environment and community at risk.
“If businesses are in doubt as to whether or not they require a works approval, I encourage them to contact the EPA. A quick call could save them time, money and help protect the environment.”
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter has the right to have the fine reviewed or have the matter determined by a court.
The Environment Protection Act 1970 requires that occupiers of scheduled premises, like Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, apply for a works approval if planned works: are likely to cause an increase in waste produced, cause an alteration in the waste treatment process, or cause a significant increase in noise.
Businesses should visit epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/licences-and-approvals/works-approvals for more information.