Operation Tensile involved DES, OFT and Queensland Police.
Twelve PINs were issued to operators who did not store scrap metal properly.
A two-day compliance operation targeting 32 metal recyclers across southeast Queensland will result in enforcement action being taken at over 21 unlicensed sites.
The multi-agency Operation Tensile involved compliance officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES), the Office of Fair Trading and the Queensland Police Service.
Executive Director Compliance Brad Wirth said DES makes no apology for its compliance work, which creates an even playing field in the metal recycling industry and improves environmental outcomes through the responsible storage and disposal of scrap metal.
“Unlicensed scrap metal operations have the potential to undermine and undercut licenced operators who have obtained the correct authorities to operate,” Mr Wirth said.
“A business that has more than six tonnes of scrap metal for sorting and storage at any one time is required to have an Environmental Authority issued by DES.
“An Environmental Authority provides businesses with conditions they must comply with to manage environmental risks associated with their operations.
“Unlicensed scrap metal operators can potentially cause significant environmental harm and community nuisance through the release of contaminated water, increased fire risk and dust and noise nuisance impacts.
“Operation Tensile was a multi-phase, intelligence-led operation aimed at identifying and disrupting any unlawful behaviour that may pose a risk to the environment or the community.
“Through work across multiple agencies, we have also disrupted potential criminal activity in the scrap metal industry. I would like to thank the Office of Fair Trading and the Queensland Police Service for their assistance.”
DES Operation Tensile compliance action included:
- 32 inspections
- 21 Direction Notices
- 12 Penalty Infringement Notices to be issued ranging from $2,875 for individuals to $14,275 for companies
- Several sites still under investigation
