NuGrow to pay up for breaching environmental regulations

A local company dedicated to recycling and repairing damaged landscapes has been fined for failing to take the steps necessary to protect the surrounding environment.

Dalby composting business NuGrow has been fined $13,785 for breaching environmental regulation and risking harm to the surrounding environment.

An inspection by Department of Environment and Science officers found the facility did not have impervious barriers under their composting and waste storage areas as required by a condition of its environmental authority.

A spokesman for the DES said there was no evidence of harm caused by the company’s actions, instead the fine was a result of technical breach.

NuGrow was required to develop a Transitional Environmental Program to be compliant with its EA, which was approved by DES.

Under this program NuGrow was required to start building the barrier by April 26. 2022.

DES issued NuGrow with a $13,785 fine on June 6 after it became aware the company had not started work on the barrier.

NuGrow is one of Queensland’s largest recycling and revegetation companies with worksites at Kogan, Gracemere and Swanbank.

It diverts organic waste from landfill and produces compost that is used for large-scale civil engineering and revegetation projects.

“As the environmental regulator, DES takes compliance issues seriously,” the spokesman said.

“That’s why our departmental officers routinely conduct inspections to ensure businesses comply with their environmental obligations.”

“DES will take strong action, including court prosecutions, when compliance issues are identified.”

NuGrow was contacted for comment but declined to respond.