A cardboard box fire that damaged three cars after spreading to a neighbouring property has cost a Moolap business a fine over $8000.
Super City Concrete Cutting’s blaze also ignited 80 litres of waste oil and “melted some wheelie bins”, said Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA).
EPA south west manager Carolyn Francis slammed the company for “not getting the message” about burning industrial waste.
“This fire, and the impact to the neighbouring business, was completely irresponsible and avoidable. All the business owner had to do was put the cardboard boxes in a recycling bin instead,” Ms Francis said.
“Thankfully EPA officers were on site and managed to prevent firewater and a significant amount of hydrocarbons from impacting the stormwater system.
“Burning industrial waste can pollute our waterways, harm land and impact the air quality.”
Ms Francis thanked the CFA for extinguishing the fire before it spread to the wider industrial estate.
She also thanked City of Greater Geelong for assisting with the clean-up.
Ms Francis urged businesses to do their homework before taking any actions with environmental implications.
“If any business is in doubt about their environmental obligations, having a quick look at epa.vic.gov.au could save time and money and help us safeguard Victoria’s environmental and public health for future generations,” she said.
“The new EPA Act, which takes effect on 1 July 2020, will include a new General Environmental Duty, which requires those who conduct activities that pose a risk to human health and the environment to take reasonable steps to eliminate or reduce those risks.
“EPA will be working with all businesses ahead of this change, which helps the organisation be more proactive in preventing harm from pollution and waste.”
Super City Concrete had “the right” to have the $8060 fine reviewed or to fight the EPA charge in court, Ms Francis said.
