Moolap recycler cops fine after aerial photos show stockpiles pose fire risk

MOOLAP company GT Recycling has been fined almost $10,000 for breaching the conditions of a permit from Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria.

It failed to notify EPA when its stockpiles of soft plastic waste had exceeded their size limits.

EPA south-west regional manager Martha-Rose Loughnane said officers spotted the stockpiles during an inspection of waste processing and recycling sites across the state.

“Aerial photography showed us the large stockpiles of combustible waste did not comply with the EPA guidelines that are designed to minimise the risk of fire.”

EPA followed up with an unannounced inspection, finding multiple stockpiles of baled soft plastics up to 4m high, which were too high and too close together to minimise the risk and severity of a fire.

EPA officers immediately issued remedial notices to manage the unacceptable stockpiles.

“The company’s failure to report the non-compliance to EPA was another breach of the permit conditions and demonstrates the kind of poor risk management practices that can lead to an uncontrollable fire,” Ms Loughnane said.

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the operator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution

Businesses can find EPA’s management and storage of combustible recyclable and waste materials guideline at epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/publications/1667-3