Spectran Group fined by EPA for dumping at Pawleena

A construction company has been fined for illegally dumping demolition debris at a rural property. Here’s what the EPA had to say.

Unlawful waste disposal at a property in Pawleena by Spectran Group. Image: Environment Protection Authority.

A Tasmanian construction company has been fined $40,000 after it illegally dumped demolition waste at a rural property in Southern Tasmania.

Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) found Spectran Group had unlawfully disposed of a “significant” amount of waste at a private property at Pawleena, north of Sorell.

An EPA investigation found the waste was construction debris from Hobart demolition sites.

“The waste material consisted of tyres, hot water cylinders, plastic piping, timbers, clean fill, electrical conduit, insulation, and carpets,” an EPA spokesperson said.

Unlawful waste disposal at a property in Pawleena by Spectran Group. Image: Environment Protection Authority.

“The EPA’s investigation confirmed the disposal of waste was undertaken without relevant permissions or authority, and that the disposal of the waste material constituted multiple breaches of Tasmanian environmental legislation.”

The owner of the land the waste was dumped on was also slapped with a fine, for breaching environmental legislation.

“The EPA prioritises investigation and enforcement responses into illegal dumping and offenders can face significant financial penalties,” the spokesperson said.

“The unlawful disposal of waste material has the potential to cause significant environmental and public health impacts.”

Spectran Group COO Dale Barron said the company had cleaned up the waste and was working with the EPA.

“The Spectran Group acknowledges the recent infringement notice issued by the EPA regarding the unlawful waste disposal incident at a property in Pawleena,” Mr Barron said.

“The Spectran Group took immediate steps to rectify the situation and ensure compliance with all environmental regulations, including disposal of the waste materials at an approved landfill facility.

“We continue to work closely with the EPA to implement corrective measures and prevent any future occurrences.

“The Spectran Group employs over 200 Tasmanians, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship.”