Cleanaway Pty Ltd has been convicted and fined in the Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court over missed deadlines and badly managed waste stockpiles at their Brooklyn facility.
EPA Victoria's investigation began after officers responded to two small fires at the Old Geelong Road Waste and Recovery Centre in early 2021.
EPA officers found stockpiles of wood chips, scrap timber and mixed waste that were in breach of safety policies. Stockpiles were too high and too close together. The company had also failed to meet EPA imposed deadlines for fire risk and management plans.
Her Honour Magistrate Masood convicted Cleanaway Pty Ltd and imposed a $15,000 fine for the offending. EPA was awarded costs in the amount of $7,344.
EPA Western Metropolitan Regional Manager Stephen Lansdell said the case is a clear warning to businesses.
''It is critical how you store and stockpile waste. You must prevent any fire risks. All businesses must understand the importance of meeting EPA deadlines and notice requirements," Mr Lansdell said.
"These policies are there to prevent catastrophic fires. They limit the size of piles and give firefighters the chance to trap the fire while it is still small," he said.
EPA conducts hundreds of proactive inspections and takes 20,000 calls a year from the public as part fire prevention programs.
"The community in Melbourne's Western suburbs expects much better and does not deserve to be put at any risk from more fires. If you see any pollution or have any concerns please report them to us," Mr Lansdell said.
Members of the public can report pollution online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution
