A Bulla landfill operator has been ordered to contribute funding to a local community project and pay court costs on charges from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria.
Hi-Quality Quarry Products Pty Ltd was charged by the EPA for several offences detected by the authority during routine inspections between 2020–22.
These include improper leachate management, failure to implement a rehabilitation plan, improper waste cover, and improper disposal of asbestos waste.
The Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court ordered the company to pay $40,000 to Hume council as funding and $15,000 towards the EPA’s court costs.
The funding will be put towards the development of a viewing platform and story-telling pathway at the Sunbury Community Arts and Culture Precinct in conjunction with the Wurundjeri Corporation.
Hi-Quality Quarry Products operates under an EPA licence with strict conditions for accepting prescribed industrial, solid inert, and decomposable waste, as well as conditions on the height and amount of waste that can be accepted.
There are also conditions that prevent leachate leaking and endangering waterways, people’s health, and local flora and fauna.
EPA northern metropolitan acting regional manager Chloe Bernett said that these licences are designed to protect the environment and people’s health.
“Each licence has strict legal conditions designed for the operation of that particular landfill, as well as requirements for rehabilitating each landfill cell when it is full,” Ms Bernett said.
“EPA also requires ongoing management of the land long after the landfill ceases to operate.”
The company and its director also faced 33 charges from the EPA last year relating to licence breaches and failure to comply with EPA remedial notices.
