The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued $39,000 in fines to three individuals and a company for alleged illegal dumping of over 100 tonnes of building and demolition waste containing asbestos, on a suburban block at Leppington, unloading the material during daylight hours.
The EPA is now warning Leppington residents of potential increased illegal dumping activity in their area and is recommending that residents secure their properties against trespassers.
EPA Director Regional Waste Compliance Cate Woods said at least four trucks entered a property at Leppington on the Camden Valley Way, without the permission or knowledge of the owner, and allegedly dumped multiple loads of waste.
“During the EPA’s investigation, CCTV footage was obtained showing four trucks entering the property and depositing waste material,” Ms Woods said.
“Companies and individual drivers who transport waste are responsible for their actions. When they are caught doing the wrong thing they can expect strong enforcement action from the EPA.
The EPA has fined Western Civil Group Pty Ltd and three truck drivers. Fines of $7,500 each were issued to three individuals, and a $15,000 fine was issued to the Western Civil Group Pty Ltd for the alleged unlawful transport of waste to the property.
Two of the individuals were also issued $750 fines each for allegedly not responding to statutory notices requiring them to provide information and records about the incident, bringing the total fine amounts issued to $39,000.
In addition, the EPA issued a clean-up notice requiring removal and disposal of the material at a lawful facility, however the notice was not complied with and the material is currently being removed by a third party. The EPA is investigating the alleged non-compliance with the clean-up notice.
The EPA encourages all landowners in South-West Sydney to secure their properties and be aware of illegal dumpers and large numbers of trucks entering and depositing waste without approval.
The EPA asks the public to report any unusual truck movements and be vigilant and make enquiries with council before accepting any fill on their property.
The EPA investigates all reports of suspected illegal dumping and encourages anyone with a concern, or knowledge of suspected dumping to contact the 24-hour EPA Environment Line on 131 555.
