A stockpile of unprocessed waste that posed a fire risk has seen the Cleanaway Resource Co Resource Recovery Facility Pty Ltd in Wetherill Park fined $15,000 by the NSW EPA for allegedly failing to store waste in a competent manner.
The facility accepts general solid waste (non-putrescible) including timber, plastics, plaster, paper and cardboard which is then processed into a combustible waste material to be used as a fuel.
EPA officers inspected the facility on 4 November 2021 following a complaint about dust emissions.
They found a stockpile of unprocessed waste exceeding 2400m3 inside a building that was allegedly blocking fire escapes and firefighting equipment, increasing the risk of a fire within the facility.
On 10 November, the EPA issued a Prevention Notice to the company to stop it accepting waste until the stockpile of unprocessed waste was compliant with industry guidelines designed to minimise fire risks in indoor waste facilities.
A $15,000 Penalty Infringement Notice is the largest fine the EPA can issue under its legislation.
Prosecutions are one of a number of tools the EPA can use to achieve environmental compliance including formal warnings, official cautions, licence conditions, notices and directions. F
