The EPA and NHVR partnered to fine eight transport operators in SA
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined eight truck drivers for failing to properly cover waste loads as part of a compliance push.
The EPA established a joint operation with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to educate South Australian waste transporters about the need to restrain all loads to maintain the safety of the community and surrounding environment.
EPA officers were carried out at the Integrated Waste Services (IWS) Dublin and Wingfield depots as officers worked with the NHVR’s safety and compliance enforcers to perform heavy vehicle on road compliance and enforcement activities under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
EPA investigations manager Stephen Barry says fines of $192 had been sent to eight operators out of the 10 that were checked by EPA officers.
“The EPA licences waste transporters and while it doesn’t specify the types of covers require, transporters must comply with the Environment Protection Act 1993 and take all practicable steps to cover loads,” Barry says.
“Waste escaping from trucks can cause a hazard for other drivers and a litter problem on public roads.”
The EPA says reasons given by drivers included not being supplied with a cover by the vehicle’s owner or not having enough time to apply and remove a cover during loading and unloading.
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NHVR southern region operations director Paul Simionato says it’s vital owners and operators understand their safety and regulatory obligations when transporting waste.
“Companies have a legal duty to ensure every load is secured adequately and they provide appropriate scheduling for drivers in order to maintain safety on our roads,” Simionato says.
These two depots in SA were chosen following complaints to the EPA from the public and industry operators about transporters discarding waste on public roads.
The EPA says they’ll conduct further operations across SA.