A Clyde business has felt the heat of Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) after deciding to burn unwanted industrial waste.
Ferati Holdings were fined $8,060 for discarding industrial waste by burning on 31 August.
EPA Southern Metro Acting Manager Stephen Lansdell said Ferati organised for a third party to bring mulch to their Manks Rd site, but industrial waste was also delivered among the load.
“At this stage, Ferati should have done the right thing for themselves and the environment by arranging for the waste to be removed and disposed of at a site licensed to accept it,” Mr Lansdell said.
“Instead, they decided to set fire to it.
“Even though Ferati may not have asked for this material, as the landowner they are responsible for it.
“Our Officer for the Protection of the Local Environment was notified of the fire by a member of the public and CFA were able to extinguish it.”
EPA issued Ferati with a Clean Up Notice and a contractor was engaged to transport the waste to landfill.
“Burning industrial waste is an offence under the Environment Protection Act because when industrial waste is burnt it can release hazardous emissions into the air which are bad for the health of the community and the environment,” Mr Lansdell said.
“EPA expects that all business operators correctly dispose of their waste or EPA will take action.”
Mr Lansdell thanked the public for reporting the fire.
“Community reports are vital to EPA’s ability to protect the environment from pollution and waste and we encourage people to report pollution to the 24-hour hotline 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842),” he said.
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, Ferati can have the fine reviewed or have the matter determined by a court.
