Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined recycling sorting company SKM Services Pty Ltd (SKM) $7,929 for breaching an EPA remedial notice at their Coolaroo site.
SKM were issued with a Pollution Abatement Notice in December 2017 but a compliance inspection in June found a contravention against the requirements.
“Stormwater drains were found to contain waste as well as a brown liquid, which had flowed from piles of stockpiled waste glass,” EPA Stockpile Taskforce Manager Danny Childs said.
“The stormwater drain eventually flows into the nearby Merlynston Creek.”
The EPA Pollution Abatement Notice required SKM to install controls to prevent contaminated runoff from the storage of wastes entering the stormwater system.
Mr Childs said the samples of the dark brown liquid found it contained organic compounds which could impact aquatic organisms including fish.
“It is disappointing that SKM didn’t implement the EPA requirements under the notice even after additional time was granted,” he said.
“A further Pollution Abatement Notice has been issued to prevent contaminated runoff entering the stormwater system and EPA will continue to expect SKM’s Coolaroo site to ensure they understand and are complying with the obligations under the Environmental Protection Act.”
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, SKM has the right to have the $7,929 fine reviewed or have the matter determined by a court.
EPA’s investigation into the July 2017 fire at SKM’s Coolaroo site is ongoing.