A recycling business in South-Western Sydney has been fined for allegedly failing to have a pollution management plan in place.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) fined Glass Recycling (NSW) Pty Ltd, at Swaffham Road, Minto $8,000 after it was discovered it didn’t have a legally required Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP).
A PIRMP reduces the risk of environmental pollution during incidents on site.
EPA Director Regulatory Operations Cate Woods said a PIRMP is essential for facilities dealing with waste and recyclable materials.
“Having plans in place to respond to potential incidents is essential and can help to contain pollution in the event of an accident,” Ms Woods said.
“Proper planning allows incidents to be managed in the most effective way possible, and it’s beneficial for the environment, the community, and any potential clean-up efforts.”
Glass Recycling (NSW) Pty Ltd has subsequently developed a PIRMP for its facility and provided it to the EPA for review.
The company was also issued an Official Caution by the EPA for failing to acknowledge a previous non-compliance in their Annual Return. This prior non-compliance resulted in a Penalty Notice being issued in November 2020.
PIRMPs must include:
· clear and effective notification to site managers and emergency services
· action and communication procedures to ensure the incident is dealt with safely
· notification of all relevant people and authorities
· regular updates throughout the incident for relevant people and authorities.
