A BLITZ on Sunshine North industrial businesses has revealed widespread flouting of environmental laws.
A joint Environment Protection Authority and Brimbank Council operation in the Sunshine North industrial estate last week uncovered numerous cases of dumped e-waste, demolition debris and a host of hazardous materials.
A number of prosecutions against large-scale industrial dumpers are likely to follow the discovery of potentially contaminated land during the sweep of 24 properties in the dumping hot spot.
Officers found cars being drained of oil straight onto unprotected earth, improperly stored car and industrial batteries, and stockpiled construction waste such as asbestos and buried bricks.
Significant risks to waterways, roads and other infrastructure were identified on land contaminated from waste oil and improperly stored drums of oil and other chemicals.
More than half of the two-dozen sites require remediation and more than four in five face follow-up action.
EPA Victoria’s director of environmental regulation, Chris Webb, said the strikeforce was weeding out rogue operators profiting from illegal dumping.
“These people threaten the environment and financially undermine legitimate licensed waste operators.”
Mr Webb said the illegal-dumping unit worked with local councils in tracking and responding to illegal dumping.
EPA fines can range from $1200 for an individual, $6000 for a company and up to $250,000 if the matter goes to court.
Brimbank chairman Peter Lewinsky said the blitz showed the tangible results of a two-year trial agreement signed with the EPA last year.
“The memorandum of understanding between the two parties means Brimbank City Council and the EPA can jointly address environmental issues across the municipality.”
To report illegal dumping, phone 1300372842.
