EPA Victoria has fined an Ardeer car wrecker $5,548 for failing to comply with the conditions of an order to clean up and reduce the fire hazard in its stockpiles.
Officers found United Auto Recyclers Pty Ltd, trading as Mega Cars Wrecking, had made some efforts to comply, but failed to finish the job and provide the proof.
EPA Western Metropolitan Regional Manager Stephen Lansdell says a proactive inspection conducted as part of EPA's Fire Prevention Program found the wrecking yard, on Ballarat Road, Ardeer, represented serious hazards to the community and environment.
"EPA has been very clear and strong on preventing fire risks over the past 5 years. There is no excuse for putting our community or environment at risk and not taking EPA laws and notice deadlines seriously."
The site had out-of-date and empty fire extinguishers and a 60-metre-long stockpile of vehicles without separation distances to allow for firefighting. It also had drums of waste oil and fuel stored inappropriately where any leakage would go into nearby Jones Creek," Mr Lansdell said.
"Waste tyres were stacked up too close to buildings and the property boundary, and there were no controls to stop contaminated stormwater leaving the site," he said.
"Those issues created a risk of pollution or a major fire, so EPA officers issued the company with formal compliance advice and a legal notice requiring it to have a qualified contractor undertake a fire risk assessment and report on the necessary actions."
EPA's follow-up inspections showed the company was taking some action, but when the deadline arrived, could not provide proof that it had complied with all instructions.
"EPA regulatory notices include clear instructions with a deadline, they are there to protect the community and environment, and they must be taken seriously," Mr Lansdell said.
"The fine does not bring the case to an end; the company is still required to bring its Ardeer premises into compliance with the law," he said.
Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the operator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.
Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA's 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution
