EPA prosecutes over Sunshine North waste stockpile

Failing to comply with a Clean Up Notice (CUN) from Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has cost a Burnside man a conviction in the Sunshine Magistrates Court.

Anthony James Grima pleaded guilty to one charge of contravening the requirements of a clean up notice relating to extensive stockpiling of construction and demolition waste at a premises in Auburn Avenue, Sunshine North.

EPA Western Metropolitan Regional Manager, Stephen Lansdell, says EPA started their investigation thanks to a valuable report from a member of the public.

“Thanks to our vigilant Sunshine community, EPA officers observed construction and demolition waste piled up to approximately eight metres high, covering most of the Sunshine North site,” Mr Lansdell said.

“We issued the company with a Clean Up Notice, requiring that the stockpile be removed to a properly licensed facility. Disappointingly, our follow up inspections showed the deadline was not met,” he said.

“This case has two clear messages: EPA is prepared to enforce its remedial notices with legal action, and the Court is prepared to convict first time environmental offenders.”

The court convicted Mr Grima, placed him on a 12 month good behaviour bond, and ordered him to pay $1,000 to the Court Fund.

Additional information:

The Premises has recently been sold to a new proprietor who has commenced clean up in accordance with a VCAT enforcement order sought by Brimbank City Council.

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