A Monegeetta resident was fined by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for illegally burning industrial waste in a fire pit.
The CFA responded to a call from residents reporting the incident, with the fire brigade discovering a pit full of burning vehicle batteries, mattresses, car parts, fuel tanks, metal crates, and other scrap material in Monegeetta.
The EPA issued a fine to a Monegeetta woman for the unlawful deposit of the waste, issuing an order to clean it up and a $1976 penalty.
EPA north-west regional manager Paul Ratajczyk said some of the waste could have been recycled and the rest should have gone to landfill.
“Dumping material like this in a roughly constructed pit pollutes the soil and very likely the nearest waterway, which presents a risk to human health and the environment,” Mr Ratajczyk said.
“And burning it adds toxic smoke, increasing the risk to members of the public and the firefighters responding to protect the community,” he said.
“Everyone must make sure their waste goes to a place that can lawfully accept it. Dumping like this can be reported by anyone, and EPA doesn’t hesitate to take action.”
Anyone can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or by providing information online.
Details: epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/repo
