The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Mega Works Constructions $1500 after a truck spilled demolition waste containing asbestos, in a road accident in September this year.
The truck had been refused entry to a waste facility because it was suspected that the load contained asbestos. The truck was later involved in a traffic accident between Kellyville and Marsden Park. The EPA attended and took samples of the spilled material which confirmed the presence of asbestos. The movement of the waste had not been recorded in WasteLocate as required by Clause 79 of the Waste Regulation. The volume of the load was estimated to be more than 7 tonnes.
Greg Sheehy, Director Waste Compliance EPA, said: "The handling and management of asbestos is crucial to protecting our communities and the environment. It is imperative that all regulations involving the removal, transportation and disposal of asbestos are adhered to."
"In this case the truck was involved in a motor vehicle accident spilling waste onto the roadway, potentially putting the health of emergency responders at risk.
"It's essential that problem wastes are tracked during their transport not only to prevent illegal dumping but to ensure public safety."
The EPA investigates all reports of inappropriate transport of disposal of asbestos and reports can be made to the 24-hour EPA Environment Line on 131 555.
Penalty notices are one of several tools the EPA can use to achieve environmental compliance including formal warnings, official cautions, licence conditions, notices, directions and prosecutions.
