Tate Papworth
Failing to comply with a Clean Up Notice from Environment Protection Authority Victoria has cost a Burnside man a conviction in the Sunshine Magistrates Court.
Anthony James Grima pleaded guilty to one charge of contravening the requirements of a clean up notice relating to extensive stockpiling of construction and demolition waste at a premises in Auburn Avenue, Sunshine North.
Mr Grima was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond, and ordered to pay $1000 to the court fund.
EPA Western metropolitan regional manager, Stephen Lansdell said the investigation wouldn’t have come to anything if it wasn’t for a report from a member of the community.
“Thanks to our vigilant Sunshine community, EPA officers observed construction and demolition waste piled up to approximately eight metres high, covering most of the Sunshine North site,” Mr Lansdell said.
“We issued the company with a clean up notice, requiring the stockpile to be removed to a properly licensed facility. Disappointingly, our follow-up inspections showed the deadline was not met.”
Mr Lansdell said he hoped the case would send a message to the wider community.
“This case has two clear messages: EPA is prepared to enforce its remedial notices with legal action, and the court is prepared to convict first-time environmental offenders.”
