Fined for acid waste dumping

A Dandenong South factory received a $7500 fine for dumping acid waste at the rear of its premises.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) issued the fine after investigating a report from a community member about a factory in the process of being sold.
EPA southern metro manager Leigh Bryant said EPA officers inspected the Entraprop Investments Pty. Ltd. site.
“Witnesses observed a container containing green liquid being drained onto land at the rear of the premises,” he said.
“A running fire hose was also observed in the area, likely being used to try and dilute the acid.”
Mr Bryant said EPA officers took samples from the containers during the investigation.
“The results of EPA sampling indicated low pH levels and elevated levels of fluoride, consistent with what we would expect to find in this type of acid waste,” he said.
Mr Bryant said acid waste should always be disposed appropriately, and companies needed to ensure it was taken to a licensed facility.
“In this case, the company engaged two people to assist in cleaning up the premises and is now paying for their actions,” he said.
“This fine is also a warning to businesses that they are responsible for the action of the people that they engage to work on their behalf.”
He said the acid waste, which had since been removed, was generated from the site’s previous tenant, a solar water heater system manufacturer.
“Site owners should know what activities are occurring on their premises as clean-up could be at their expense,” he said.
“Owners have a responsibility for their property.”
Mr Bryant urged the public to continue reporting suspected pollution to 1300 372 842 or www.epa.vic.gov.au.