Auto-retailer Overport Corporation has been fined $7,929 by Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) for allowing industrial waste to be dumped at its Bridgestone Service Centre site on Dookie Road Shepparton.
The waste, which included materials containing asbestos as well as bricks, metals, timber and concrete, is not permitted without a license. EPA was alerted to the presence of the waste and investigated in February 2018.
“Depositing industrial waste in such an uncontrolled way can cause land pollution and groundwater contamination, and if dust was generated from the asbestos, it could have posed a health risk to both employees and neighbouring properties” EPA North East Manager, Emma Knights said.
“EPA is satisfied that, in line with the Clean Up Notice it issued to Overport, the asbestos material has been removed by a a registered asbestos removalist and a portion of the stockpiled industrial waste has also removed and taken to a site licenced or permitted to receive it.
“While EPA accepts that the Overport Corporation was not aware of the need for a license to accept the waste, it is the operator of the service centre and, as such, has a duty to be aware of its obligations and legislative requirements. Therefore, the company received a fine of nearly $8,000 in addition to the cost of cleaning up the waste.”
Further inspections will be conducted to ensure all elements of the EPA Clean Up Notice have been complied with.
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.
The public is the best source of information. If you have seen or witnessed a potential pollution event, the EPA wants to hear from you. Contact us on 1300 EPA VIC.