A Western Australian business that operated an abattoir in Myrup near Esperance has been ordered to pay more than $17,000 in fines and costs for burying oil drums and rubbish in an excavated hole on its property.
Shark Lake Food Group Pty Ltd was convicted earlier this month at Joondalup Magistrates Court.
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said the fine should serve as a warning that incorrect disposal of waste would be hit with serious penalties.
In April 2016, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) became aware that Shark Lake Food Group Pty Ltd, who operated the abattoir at the time, had buried a number of oil drums and assorted rubbish at its property.
A subsequent investigation by DWER inspectors led to the company’s conviction and it was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $12,204 in court costs.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Waste crimes are not only unsightly and costly but have the potential to cause serious health hazards and environmental harm.
“There are no excuses for illegal dumping and I hope these fines send a strong message that offenders will not get away with it and environmental crimes will not be tolerated.
“I’d also like to remind the community that they can anonymously report any activities they suspect are damaging the environment through a new partnership with Crime Stoppers WA.”
