An illegal waste burnoff by Warragul cabinet manufacturer SMJ Cabinets Pty Ltd has cost the company a $9,616 fine from EPA Victoria.
EPA received a report in August this year alleging several truckloads of waste a week was being taken to an empty property on Ryan’s Rd in Trafalgar South. The waste was dumped and then a couple of times a year it would be burnt.
EPA Authorised Officers inspected the site and found cabinetry construction and demolition waste, offcuts of particle and melamine boards, wooden pallets, steel mesh wiring and various types of plastic and other material.
There also appeared to be some dead livestock at the site, green waste, partially burnt material and charring on the sides of the pit as well a water pooled within the pit.
“This is entirely unacceptable behaviour. Industrial waste like this must go to an appropriate site, not to isolated land to be stockpiled and burnt,” EPA Gippsland Regional Manager Jessica Bandiera said.
“SMJ has been ordered to collect the waste they have left there and take it to a place lawfully allowed to accept it and report back to us when they are done.
“EPA warned only recently that it was enforcing against illegal burnoffs and this should be a clear message to anyone considering acting in the same manner.
“It’s everyone’s job to protect the environment. The community understands that which is why they contacted us to report SMJ.”
If you see pollution call EPA on 1300 372 842 or www.epa.vic.gov.au
