EPA issues burn-off warning

THE Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is warning the community against mixing their prunings and felled timber with other waste when burning off.

With the weather cooling off and conditions improving for controlled burns in regional areas, the agricultural sector in particular is being urged to consider what materials are going into burns.

EPA regional operations director Martha-Rose Loughnane said it was illegal to dispose of waste by burning it.

“Common farm waste, like treated pine posts, agricultural plastics, hessian, concrete, metal, waste tyres and mattresses, must be disposed of lawfully and at a place that is licensed to accept it.

“We issued several reminders last year after receiving reports of farms, orchards and vineyards mixing their legitimate burn off materials with waste like treated timbers, plastics and other common farm waste that should have gone to a licensed landfill or recycling facility.”

The EPA can issue fines for more than $9,000 if it finds people are mixing waste and burning anything other than vegetation-sourced matter.

Along with protecting the environment, burning unauthorised materials can also present health concerns.

“No smoke is good for you, but smoke from burning farm waste like old tyres and treated timber can lead to harmful effects on human health, particularly for people with asthma or other lung conditions, older people, pregnant women, babies and young children,” Ms Loughnane said.

Before lighting up, people are also asked to consider how wind direction and smoke may impact others and roads, and to always check the existing fire restrictions.

Pollution can be reported to the EPA 24-hour hotline at 1300 372 842 or at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution

People can also learn about what they can and can not burnt through the farm waste guide available at epa.vic.gov.au