Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined East Gippsland Shire Council more than $8,000 for breaching a condition of its EPA licence that required it to provide EPA with a hydrogeological report* about its Forge Creek landfill.
Hydrogeology is the study of groundwater and how it moves underground through soil and rocks.
EPA Gippsland Manager Stephen Lansdell said the breach was the third time in 18 months the council had failed to submit a report within statutory timeframes as required by its EPA licence and a statutory notice.
“Given this repeated breach, EPA has handed down the fine of over $8,000 to ensure the council changes its administrative processes and takes its statutory obligations seriously,” Mr Lansdell said.
Mr Lansdell said the breach of the council’s EPA licence in this instance was not likely to have any immediate environmental impacts.
“However, failing to provide this report will prolong council’s understanding and assessment of any environmental risks and hazards that may be present at the landfill,” Mr Lansdell said.
“EPA guidelines for landfills set out requirements for landfill operators regarding appropriate assessments to be undertaken to ensure ongoing, short and long-term environmental protection.”
Mr Lansdell said EPA had issued the council with a notice that required it to provide the hydrogeological report by mid-September.
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, East Gippsland Shire Council has the right to have the $8,060 fine reviewed or have the matter determined by a court.
The public is urged to report environmental concerns to the EPA’s 24-hour pollution hotline 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).
BACKGROUND
*A hydrogeological assessment is a systemic study of geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry and contamination at a site. An essential part of this type of report is the development of a clear conceptual model of the hydrogeology, contamination and the potential human health and ecological risks present.