A Wentworth-based earthmoving company has been fined $30,000 following an investigation by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) that uncovered serious breaches, including illegally burying over 400 tonnes of construction and demolition waste.
Morello Earthmoving is approved to store and process up to 2.5 tonnes of waste but does not hold the required licence for the large-scale operation it was undertaking.
The fine follows a Clean-Up Notice issued by the EPA in August 2024, which directed the company to remove the waste. This work is ongoing.
EPA Executive Director Operations Jason Gordon said the scale of the clean-up and the environmental risks highlighted the seriousness of the illegal activity.
"It is disappointing that the EPA was forced to take action to ensure this waste was properly managed. So far, more than 400 tonnes—equivalent to around 40 large dump truck loads—has been removed by Morello and taken to Buronga Landfill," Mr Gordon said.
"Fortunately, a large volume of concrete waste that was buried is now being reused rather than landfilled, which is a better outcome for the environment.
"The illegal burial of waste puts local land and waterways at risk. Harmful contaminants regularly seep into the soil and groundwater, threatening the health of local ecosystems.
"We expect all operators to follow the law and comply with their operating conditions. When they don't, they can expect firm and swift regulatory action from the EPA."
Mr Gordon said community reports were key to uncovering the buried waste and ensuring it was dealt with appropriately.
"The EPA received multiple complaints about waste being buried on site and thanks to community assistance we were able to look into waste management activities occurring at Morello Earthmoving.
"Our investigation found that despite earlier clean-up directions from Wentworth Shire Council, no action was taken by the company, and instead, more waste was buried, making the situation worse."
The EPA continues to monitor the site closely and will ensure that all required clean-up actions are completed, which is scheduled to be later this year.
