EPA VICTORIA says it could take legal action against companies allegedly using a Glenaroua property as a dumping site as the site does not have the necessary permissions to accept waste.
Notices prohibiting the site at 530 Kilmore-Glenaroua Road accepting waste and to those identified dumping waste have been issued, and those responsible could also face prosecution.
The site came to EPA’s attention from concerned community members. On inspection of the site, EPA officers found significant volumes of co-mingled waste.
The combustible waste is stockpiled under canopy cover in bushland with a bushfire overlay. The site is also lacking fire water access or fire controls and consists of combustible material mixed with native vegetation.
EPA has identified companies using the site to deposit waste and contacted them. A formal investigation is now under way with both the site owner and those using the site for allegedly unlawful purposes facing potential prosecution and significant fines under the Environmental Act 2017.
Waste must be disposed of only at a site authorised to accept it.
There are significantly increased fire and environmental risks created by unlawful disposal of waste and EPA has the power to act against anyone in the disposal chain; those that create it, transport it and accept it.
