Company and truck drivers face a total fine of $39,000
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued multiple fines for alleged illegal disposal of waste in Sydney this week.
It comes after last week’s targeted compliance operations that saw EPA working with the NSW Police Force and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) authorities to intercept trucks carrying waste from a construction site in the ACT to a potentially unauthorised premises in NSW.
Read about NSW and SA EPA’s monitoring of waste-carrying trucks, here
A total of $39,000 in fines have been issued to Western Civil Group Pty Ltd and three individuals for alleged illegal dumping of waste on a suburban block at Leppington.
The EPA said at least four trucks entered a property at Leppington on the Camden Valley Way and allegedly unloaded over 100 tonnes of building and demolition waste containing asbestos during daylight hours.
A fine of $15,000 was issued to Western Civil Group Pty Ltd for the alleged unlawful transport of waste to the property.
Meanwhile, three truck drivers faced fine of $7,500 each for transporting the waste and entering the property without the permission or knowledge of the owner.
Two of the individuals were also issued $750 fines each for allegedly not responding to statutory notices requiring them to provide information and records about the incident, bringing the total fine amounts issued to $39,000.
“During the EPA’s investigation, CCTV footage was obtained showing four trucks entering the property and depositing waste material,” EPA director regional waste compliance Cate Woods says.
“Companies and individual drivers who transport waste are responsible for their actions.
“When they are caught doing the wrong thing they can expect strong enforcement action from the EPA.
Additionally, the EPA issued a clean-up notice requiring removal and disposal of the material at a lawful facility, however the notice was not complied with and the material is currently being removed by a third party.
The EPA is investigating the alleged non-compliance with the clean-up notice.
The environmental authority is warning Leppington residents of potential increased illegal dumping activity in their area and is recommending that residents secure their properties against trespassers.
It is encouraging all landowners in South-West Sydney to secure their properties and be aware of illegal dumpers and large numbers of trucks entering and depositing waste without approval.
The EPA is also asking the public to report any unusual truck movements and be vigilant and make enquiries with council before accepting any fill on their property.