Oil spill at national park

A LARGE oil tank dumped inside the Greater Bendigo National Park in late March has sparked outrage from locals and authorities.

According to Parks Victoria, the tank was tipped on its side and left to empty in a drainage ditch, where it spread oil more than 40 metres through bushland.

The site has since been cordoned off and the liquid and contaminated soil was cleared.

EPA regional manager for the northwest Dr Scott Pigdon called for members of the public to come forward with any information.

“Someone has probably seen this container being transported and can help to identify the culprit, who not only faces a fine in the thousands of dollars but can expect to pay the cost of the clean up too,” he said.

Parks Victoria statewide enforcement coordinator Chris Mercier condemned the “reckless” act.

“This oil could have killed native animals and plants and will take a considerable amount of time and money to clean up,” he said.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Parks Victoria on 131 963 or 1300 EPA VIC.