After discovering illegal dumping of chemicals in the Dandenong Ranges because of a community tip-off, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging members of the public to report any hazardous waste in suburban streets or public land.
A recent EPA investigation of 27 chemical drums illegally dumped in the Dandenong Ranges National Park started when a member of the public spotted the waste and called Parks Victoria.
EPA Northern Metropolitan Regional Manager Jeremy Settle said typical cases include asbestos-contaminated soil, chemical drums, household rubbish or demolition waste.
“This is not an accident or mismanagement, its deliberate dumping – operators have been caught dumping truckloads of contaminated soil, usually late at night in industrial estates, parks or public areas in Melbourne’s north,” Mr Settle said.
“It’s contaminating your suburb, town or neighbourhood. It’s a criminal offence and your help with something as simple as noting a truck number plate can enable the EPA to track down the offender.”
The person responsible – who originally promised to dispose of the chemicals legally over an online marketplace – was fined $25,000 and ordered to pay for the clean-up.
Mr Settle said the EPA can fine or prosecute people and order them to clean up illegal dumping if members of the community report incidents to them.
“Chemicals or soil with even a small percentage of asbestos must be taken to a licensed facility for proper disposal, so the dumping of illegal waste like this is shifting the costs onto the community,” Mr Settle said.
“A prompt report to EPA with any identifying details can make sure the dumper pays the price, not the community.” he said.
Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).
