EPA Victoria is concerned about the larger than usual number of illegal burn offs in the Mildura and Swan Hill area.
The situation has been so bad at times that in some areas, there are concerns deteriorating air quality could be harmful.
EPA says it has reports of several properties burning off materials such as treated pine posts, agriculture plastics such as grape vine covers, rack sheets, dried fruit racks, hessian, concrete, metal, waste tyres and even mattresses.
EPA North West Regional Manager Dr Scott Pigdon said the agricultural sector in should know that these kinds of material must be disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities.
“EPA is raising the issue with council, individuals, businesses and agricultural groups to make sure people understand their legal obligations under the Environment Protection Act,” he said.
“Smoke from waste burn-offs 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.
“Businesses should know their obligations to act to protect the environment. However, if they don’t listen we can enforce with a range of sanctions including taking matters to court where, under General Environmental Duties provisions, a business could be fined up to $1.8 million.”
EPA investigations were already underway into fires lit at several properties but also urged people who saw or who have been affected by illegal burnoffs to contact EPA at 1300 372 842 or online at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution
