A wood fire left smouldering that set off a blaze in a pile of industrial waste has cost a Pakenham company a fine of more than $8,000.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) officers investigated after CFA firefighters extinguished the fire at Cardinia Environmental Recycling Pty Ltd in Exchange Drive, Pakenham.
EPA Southern Metro Region Manager Marleen Mathias said the larger fire started when the smouldering wood was left unattended.
“Staff at the company had burnt a small pile of wood and thought the fire was out when they left for the day, but embers from the smouldering material set fire to a larger pile of industrial waste that contained plastics, steel and other materials,” Ms Mathias said.
“The company has been fined $8,060 under Section 27 of the Environment Protection Act 1970, for discarding industrial waste to the air by way of burning,” she said.
“When industrial waste like that is burned, it releases a mix of particulate matter and a variety of chemicals, creating a health hazard for anyone nearby.”
EPA has followed up on the investigation and is satisfied Cardinia Environmental Recycling Pty Ltd has taken sufficient action to clean up after the fire and prevent any future occurrences of this kind.
The company arranged for the burnt waste to be taken for disposal at a site licensed to accept that waste, the morning after the fire. They also arranged for the fire water to be pumped out and removed by a licensed contractor.
The company has since implemented new procedures to ensure all industrial waste is taken for proper disposal and has trained staff on the new processes.
“Burning industrial waste can create a significant environmental hazard and is an offence under the Environment Protection Act 1970. EPA expects that all waste operators are aware of their obligations under the Act and that they have robust controls in place to prevent issues occurring at their site,” she said.
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.
Ms Mathias said if anyone observed pollution or waste related issues, they were encouraged to call EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).