Ravenhall landfill operator fined after odour complaints

Residents living near a foul smelling tip in Melbourne’s west have had a win, with the EPA taking action against the operators.

A landfill operator in Melbourne’s west long subjected to odour complaints has been fined $20,000 after breaching its licence and failing to notify the EPA.

Residents living near the Melbourne Regional Landfill site in Ravenhall have long complained about a “chemical-like stench” making the area unbearable.

The EPA has been monitoring odour around the site since 2013, inspecting the landfill at least once a month.

The operator of the site, Landfill Operations Pty Ltd — part of the Cleanaway Group — was brought before the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on July 19.

The landfill site has been operated by Landfill Operations Pty Ltd since 2015. Picture: David Smith

The company pleaded guilty to two charges encompassing a total of five licence breaches relating to failing to notify the authority of noncompliance and failing to limit the tip face size to within lease conditions.

An EPA spokesman said investigations over the years demonstrated that the Ravenhall landfill is generally well managed.

“We will continue to monitor the site to ensure that it complies with its licence,” he said.

“Environment Protection Authority Victoria brought the action after multiple reports from the local community of odour issues from the landfill operations site.”

Groups including Melton and Brimbank councils, and activist body Stop the Tip lost an VCAT challenge in 2019 seeking to prevent the landfill from expanding.

In court, Landfill Operations Pty Ltd was handed a $20,000 fine without conviction.

Odour issues can be reported to Cleanaway on 1800 213 753 or the EPA on 1300 372 842.