The Lockwood business received a fine of $7929 after contaminated groundwater was discovered at their property.

EPA north west region manager Dr Scott Pigdon said the contamination of onsite groundwater was found while the EPA was assessing information provided in an Environmental Auditors report.

The report had been given to the EPA by Hazeldene’s in December, 2017, as part of their EPA licence conditions.

“The onsite contamination consisted of elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the ground water,” Dr Pigdon said. 

“There is no evidence of any groundwater impacts beyond the premise boundary.”

Dr Pigdon said as the state’s environmental regulator, the EPA approves licences for businesses such as Hazeldene’s to operate.

“Licences contain standard conditions, which sets business expectations so there are no adverse effect on the environment. These conditions address areas such as wastewater discharges, noise and odour,” he said.

“EPA expects duty holders to have systems, processes and controls in place to ensure that any of their operations do not cause an impact to the environment.”

Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, Hazeldene’s 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.

If anyone suspects pollution in their area, they are encouraged to call the EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842.