A Moolap concrete cutter whose decision to burn cardboard boxes instead of recycling them has proved costly for him, his neighbour and the environment.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) fined Super City Concrete Cutting Pty Ltd (Super City Concrete) more than $8,000 after the fire on 19 July this year spread to the neighbouring property and burnt one car, damaged two others, ignited 80 litres of waste oil and melted some wheelie bins.
EPA South West Manager Carolyn Francis said it was disappointing that businesses were still not getting the message to not burn industrial waste.
“This fire, and the impact to the neighbouring business, was completely irresponsible and avoidable – all the business owner had to do was put the cardboard boxes in a recycling bin instead,” she said.
“Thankfully EPA officers were on site and managed to prevent firewater and a significant amount of hydrocarbons from impacting the stormwater system.
“Burning industrial waste can pollute our waterways, harm land and impact the air quality.”
Ms Francis thanked the CFA for extinguishing the fire before it spread to the wider industrial estate and City of Greater Geelong for assisting with the clean up.
“If any business is in doubt about their environmental obligations, having a quick look at epa.vic.gov.au could save time and money and help us safeguard Victoria’s environmental and public health for future generations,” she said.
“The new EPA Act, which takes effect on 1 July 2020, will include a new General Environmental Duty which requires those who conduct activities that pose a risk to human health and the environment to take reasonable steps to eliminate or reduce those risks.
“EPA will be working with all businesses ahead of this change, which helps the organisation be more proactive in preventing harm from pollution and waste.”
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, Super City Concrete has the right to have the $8,060 fine for discarding of industrial waste by burning reviewed or have the matter determined by a court.