A Bairnsdale scrap metal yard that failed to take Environment Protection Authority Victoria’s (EPA) advice about waste oil storage has been fined.
BS Metal Pty Ltd of Kyle Street, Bairnsdale was inspected by EPA officers in June this year. During the inspection, the officers noted a concreted area where open drums were stationed to hold waste oil (hydrocarbons) from car wrecks. Officers noticed that soil around and downhill from the storage area were stained and smelt of hydrocarbons. Later testing of the soil confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons.
“The odour was quite noticeable and there had been leaching of the oil onto the nature strip outside of the site boundary,” explained EPA Gippsland Region Team Leader Zac Dornom
“Waste oils and fuels (hydrocarbons) are a Prescribed Industrial Waste (PIW). Industry and businesses must ensure that PIW from their operations is managed and disposed of in accordance with the Act.
“They are a common waste in many commercial and industrial activities. If not managed properly, they can pose a risk to the human health, to the land, groundwater and surface waters. Duty holders should ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities with regards to the management and disposal of these wastes. Information can be found on EPA’s website at epa.vic.gov.au.”
EPA had previously given advice on waste oil storage, but given that hadn’t been properly acted upon, EPA has fined the company $8,261 and issued a Minor Works Pollution Abatement Notice (MWPAN) which has since been complied with.
