A stockpile of burning waste, including waste tyres, at Buninyong has attracted CFA firefighters who stopped the fire, and then EPA Victoria who issued a $9,880 fine.
EPA officers responded to a call from the fire brigade and found evidence of burning waste tyres, treated timber and scrap metal at the property. The burn scar covered 10 square metres and there was other unburnt industrial waste dumped around the property.
EPA issued the fine to a Buninyong landowner for the unlawful deposit of the waste, which should have been taken to a proper place for disposal.
EPA Southwest Regional Manager Martha-Rose Loughnane says burning waste like this is illegal and a hazard to the environment and the community.
"Treated wood, tyres and construction waste; all of those give off toxic chemicals when they burn. They cause toxic smoke, leave residue that can contaminate the soil and nearby waterways, and impact human health," Ms Loughnane said.
"EPA works with other agencies including Victoria Police, CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria, so burning waste like this can easily be referred to us for investigation," she said.
"Everyone must make sure their waste goes to a place that can lawfully accept it. If you are in control of land that contains waste, it's your responsibility to ensure it goes for lawful disposal, and that includes making sure any sub-contractors understand what to do."
"When hiring a skip bin or contractor to take away this kind of waste, a simple way to protect yourself is to ask to see the receipts showing previous loads went to a licensed landfill or recycling facility," Ms Loughnane said.
Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the person receiving the fine has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.
Any member 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
