AS the weather cools and conditions for burn offs in regional areas improve, the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is especially alerting the agricultural sector not to mix their pruning’s and felled timber with other forms of waste.
Regional Operations Director Martha-Rose Loughnane has a reminder for everyone to minimise environmental pollution.
“Disposal of waste by burning is illegal,” she said.
“No smoke is good for you, but smoke from burning farm waste like old tyres and treated timber can lead to harmful effects on human health.
“Particularly for people with asthma or other lung conditions, older people, pregnant women, babies and young children.
“Everyone has a duty to protect the environment.
“That means that if we find anyone mixing waste into their legitimate burn off material, EPA can take action.
Learn what can and can’t be burnt from EPA’s farm waste guide to avoid being a nuisance to your neighbours, causing a hazard to the environment or getting a fine from the EPA, visit epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/publications/iwrg641-1
It includes information about managing waste types including scrap metals, masonry, asbestos, empty chemical drums, oil and oil filters, chemicals, tyres, dead stock, silage/feed wrapping and hay band/twine, treated timber, tree and plant waste, and household waste.
“We can issue fines of more than $9000 for burning anything other than vegetation-sourced matter like timber and crop stubble.”
To report an illegal burn off, phone the EPA 24 hour pollution hotline at 1300 372 842 or online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution.
