Construction company Taterocks Pty Ltd was fined almost $8000 for dumping piles of rubble which contained a small amount of asbestos at Leitches Creek Road in Daylesford.

EPA north west region manager Scott Pigdon said EPA officers visited the site after receiving a report from a member of the public that construction and demolition waste was being dumped there.

“EPA officers observed several piles of waste, including a 10 metre square stack of concrete standing approximately six metres high,” Dr Pigdon said. 

“A nearby pile of mixed waste included bricks, metal, timber, cement sheeting, foam, mattresses, tiles and gyprock… The site was not licensed to accept construction and demolition waste.”

EPA investigators took samples of fibrous cement sheeting from the site.

Chemical analysis revealed asbestos was present in the samples. The asbestos has been removed and disposal of the remaining waste is underway.

Taterocks Pty Ltd was issued with a legally enforceable notice requiring it to remove all industrial waste from the site.

Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, Taterocks Pty Ltd has the right to have the decision to issue the infringement notice reviewed or alternatively to have the matter heard and determined by a court.

Dr Pigdon said members of the public played an important role in protecting the environment by reporting pollution to the EPA to respond to environmental harm. 

“The fine is a reminder that everyone needs to be aware of their environmental obligations and to ensure waste is correctly classified and disposed of legally to a facility licensed to receive it,” Dr Pigdon said.

Pollution can be reported to the 24-hour EPA pollution hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).