EPA Victoria fines local Gippsland farmer

EPA Victoria has fined a Gippsland farmer for illegally disposing more than 1000 litres of waste, which he claims wasn’t all his.

A Yarragon man has been fined $1849 by Environment Protection Authority Victoria for illegally burning waste on his property.

The farmer had illegally deposited more than 1000 litres of waste at his property on Moe River Road, on the small Gippsland town’s outskirts, an EPA investigation that began in July found.

An EPA spokesman said it found “piles of bricks, metal, plastic, plaster, timber and other waste on the property, and evidence that some waste had been burnt” following a report from a member of the public.

The fined farmer claimed that most of the waste was deposited by local businesses and friends. Pictures: EPA Victoria

The man claimed that construction and demolition waste had been dumped by local community members, as well as family and friends.

“The report from the public said the burning of waste had been happening occasionally over several months,” the spokesman said.

“The EPA officers advised the man that it is an offence for any person who receives or transports industrial waste to dispose of it in an unlawful place, including by burning it. The man did not hold an EPA permission to accept, process or dispose of the waste and the officers gave him verbal guidance on how to dispose of the waste properly.”

“EPA followed up the advice with a legally enforceable Environmental Action Notice requiring the man to remove the stockpiled waste and dispose of it at a place that is licensed to receive it.”

The farmer was fined for over 1000 litres of illegal waste.

EPA Victoria in July fined a popular Traralgon pub over $9000 for excessive noise.

To report pollution contact the EPA hotline at 1300 372 842.