Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm $7,929 after contaminated groundwater was discovered at their Lockwood property.
“EPA became aware of the contamination of onsite groundwater while assessing information provided in an Environmental Auditors report, which had been given to the EPA by Hazeldene’s in December 2017 as part of their EPA licence conditions,” said EPA North West Region Manager Dr Scott Pigdon.
“The onsite contamination consisted of elevated Nitrogen and Phosphorus levels in the ground water,” said Dr Pigdon.
There is no evidence of any groundwater impacts beyond the premise boundary.”
“EPA is the state’s environmental regulator and approves licences for businesses such as Hazeldene’s to operate”.
“Licences contain standard conditions, which sets business expectations so there are no adverse effect on the environment. These conditions address areas such as wastewater discharges, noise and odour.”
“EPA expects duty holders to have systems, processes and controls in place to ensure that any of their operations do not cause an impact to the environment,” he said.
Dr Pigdon said if anyone suspected pollution in their area, they were encouraged to call EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, the company has the right to have the decision to issue the infringement notice reviewed or alternatively to have the matter heard and determined by a court.