Midfield Co-Products Pty Ltd has been fined $6,105 over the fire on 23 October at the former Midfield Meats rendering plant in Swinton St, Dennington.
The company had a permit to burn several piles of boxthorn weeds but the timber pallets and other scrap all qualified as industrial waste, making it an illegal and environmentally damaging burn.
Members of the public reported the burning waste to EPA promptly and provided photographs and video footage to help the investigation.
Prompt reporting allowed EPA Authorised Officers to attend the incident quickly, where they observed two stockpiles containing ash, and the remains of burnt boxthorn weeds and residue from the illegally burned waste.
EPA Southwest Regional Manager Martha-Rose Loughnane says any planned burn requires careful management.
"Smoke from planned burns affects air quality and can affect human health, particularly for people with asthma or other lung conditions, older people, pregnant women, babies and young children," Ms Loughnane said.
"Adding rubbish, industrial waste, scrap or anything man-made to a burn that is only supposed to include vegetation means a considerably greater risk," she said.
"The residue contaminates the land, pollutes the air and can lead to runoff affecting nearby waterways. It is illegal and any passing member of the public can report it."
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
