Taterocks P/L was fined nearly $8000 after the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) received a report from a member of the public that construction and demolition waste was being dumped at Leitches Creek Road, Daylesford.

EPA north west region manager Scott Pigdon said officers visited the site and found several piles of waste, including a 10-metre square stack of concrete standing about six metres high, and a pile of mixed waste included bricks, metal, timber, cement sheeting, foam, mattresses, tiles and gyprock.

Dr Pigdon said the EPA investigators took samples of fibrous cement sheeting from the site, and chemical analysis revealed asbestos was present in the samples. 

The asbestos has been removed and disposal of the rest of the waste is under way.

“The site was not licensed to accept construction and demolition waste,” Dr Pigdon said.

“This demonstrates an important role members of the public can play in protecting the environment. EPA really values this local intelligence. It is vital in helping us to prevent and respond to potential environmental harm.” 

Along with a fine of $7929, the EPA issued the company with a legally enforceable notice requiring it to remove all industrial waste from the site. 

“The fine is a reminder that everyone needs to be aware of their environmental obligations and to ensure waste is correctly classified and disposed of legally to a facility licensed to receive it,” Dr Pigdon said.

Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, Taterocks P/L has the right to have the decision to issue the infringement notice reviewed or alternatively to have the matter heard and determined by a court.

Members of the public can report pollution of the environment to the 24-hour EPA pollution hotline, 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).

For more information, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/get-involved/report-pollution