A sharp-eyed, quick thinking EPA officer has spotted a potential fire hazard and taken swift action to make sure the business concerned managed their fire risk.
The officer was enroute to an inspection when they spotted a large pile of combustible recyclable waste material (CRWM) including plastic bottles, bags and cardboard packaging, in a Randor St, Campbellfield business premises.
About 300 bales of CRWM were stacked tightly together creating a major fire risk. Further investigation showed there was almost no fire prevention or management system on site. The officer immediately issued notices on the business – Payless Import and Export – to cease accepting any more combustible materials and remove the pile to a place that was licensed to accept CRWM.
"We have been working very hard to improve fire safety standards in the materials recycling industry. The risk to the environment and the community from CRWM recycling premises is well known, so the quick action taken by our officer was vital to community safety," Jeremy Settle Northern Metropolitan Regional Manager said.
"All business in Victoria, and all Victorians, have a duty to take action to reduce their environmental risks and this was not happening in this case.
"We are monitoring the site and expect it to be back in compliance by the end of the month.
