An attempt to dump asbestos contaminated material at a landfill that was not licensed to accept it has cost a Melbourne company a fine of more than $8,000.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) issued Merhi Group Holdings Lexton Pty Ltd with a fine of $8,060 after the landfill operator spotted the contaminated material in the company’s truck and reported it.
“The Environment Protection Act 1970 places strong controls on the transportation and disposal of industrial waste materials, including asbestos,” EPA Metro Region Manager Daniel Hunt said.
“EPA expects duty holders, those who generate the waste, transport it or accept it for disposal, to take their responsibilities seriously,” he said.
The concerns were raised after staff at the Melbourne Regional Landfill at Ravenhall spotted what they suspected to be asbestos containing material when it arrived by truck on 18 July 2018. They isolated the material and had it removed to a facility licensed to accept asbestos.
The following day, they intercepted another truckload arriving from Merhi Group Holdings Lexton Pty Ltd, took samples and sent them for laboratory testing that showed the presence of asbestos.
“Asbestos must only go to a landfill that is licensed to accept it, because only a licensed landfill has the proper facilities to safely contain the asbestos so it doesn’t pose a risk to human health and the environment,” Mr Hunt said.
“The landfill staff at Ravenhall fulfilled their duty to report a breach of compliance with Environment Protection Act regulations, and EPA investigated and issued an infringement notice to the offending company,” he said.
EPA is continuing to monitor compliance by Merhi Group Holdings Lexton Pty Ltd.
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.
Members of the public can use EPA’s 24 hour hotline 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842) to report pollution, including illegal dumping, chemical spills and air pollution.