Victoria’s environmental protection watchdog has handed a hefty fine to a demolition company for an illegal burn-off in Charlemont.
High Tech Demolition Pty Ltd received two fines of $10,176 each from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria for dumping and burning piles of demolition waste in what the regulatory body called “a warning signal” to the construction industry.
The company was also given an official order to stop burying or burning waste after EPA officers found piles of waste still burning during inspections in August and September this year.
The EPA said the officers had been alerted by firefighters when the CFA responded to emergency calls and discovered charred demolition waste in trenches and old swimming pool pits.
EPA Southwest regional manager Martha-Rose Loughnane said illegal dumping and the burning of waste around new housing estates was a recurring problem.
“Our region is growing rapidly, but growth must not come at the expense of the environment,” she said.
“Burning waste is unacceptable; it poses serious health risks from smoke inhalation, contaminates land intended for future homes, and threatens groundwater quality.
“These practices threaten our ability to grow healthy food in our gardens and create safe communities. Individuals and businesses that rely on this approach will be identified and held accountable.
“There is no circumstance where burning waste is an appropriate solution,” she said.
Members of the public can report pollution by providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution or calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842.
High Tech Demolition was contacted for comment.
