Repeat waste burning lands Lara man fine

A Lara man has been fined after allegedly burning industrial waste on a Gheringhap property just an hour after EPA Victoria officers warned him the practice was illegal.

The man was issued with an $814 infringement after officers returned to the Midland Highway property and found plastic insulation being burned from a pile of scrap electrical cables, with the small but intense fire generating thick smoke.

The incident came about a month after the man received an official warning when EPA officers investigated the burning of construction and demolition waste at the same property.

EPA Southwest regional manager Martha-Rose Loughnane said there was “no excuse” for the repeat offending.

“This is disappointing. The individual was given clear advice that burning industrial waste is an offence and afforded the opportunity to comply, only for our officers to return and see it happen again,” she said.

“Burning this kind of waste creates an unacceptable risk to air quality, and the resulting ash is toxic, contaminating soil and potentially entering waterways.”

The infringement was issued under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006. The man has the right to seek a review of the fine or have the matter heard in 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