A Craigieburn man has been spotted dumping a truckload of industrial waste in broad daylight at Ashwood, while a witness took pictures and called EPA Victoria.
EPA fined the man $1,976 for the dumping offence and issued an Environmental Action Notice that compelled him to clean up the mess he had made and take it to a facility that is licensed and equipped to accept it, under threat of another fine if he didn't.
The load was illegally dumped on a recently cleared house block in Winbirra Parade, Ashwood. It included more than 1,000 litres of soil contaminated with construction and demolition waste.
EPA Southern Metropolitan Regional Manager Viranga Abeywickrema says the witness did a great job of standing up for their community.
"The witness provided our officers with video showing a truck tipping the waste on the property. It even included a clear shot of the truck number plate," Mr Abeywickrema said.
"Our officers investigated and traced the truck back to the hire company that owned it, and from there to the Craigieburn man. When questioned, the man did not provide a reasonable excuse as to why the waste was not taken to a lawful place," he said.
The EPA website explains your legal duties if you produce, transport, process or dispose of industrial waste epa.vic.gov.au/understand-your-waste-obligations-and-duties
"The waste has been cleaned up now, so the witness helped us to hold the person responsible to account and protect the environment in the process," Mr Abeywickrema 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
