By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Dandenong South recycler has been fined more than $16,000 for storing prohibited waste as well as a deficient stormwater system.
Norstar Recycling, at 37 Redgum Drive, was fined by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria after an investigation of a fire at the plant last year.
EPA investigators at the fire scene found that Norstar had accepted plasma-cutting dust – a category C contaminated waste.
It was fined $8060 for accepted the waste without an EPA licence.
“Category C waste must only be stored, transported and treated under strict controls by an EPA-licensed facility,” EPA resource recovery facilities audit taskforce manager Steven Pugh said.
“Norstar Recycling’s Dandenong South plant is not licensed to receive that type of waste.”
The investigators also issued Norstar with official notices to fix problems with its stormwater management.
Norstar was fined $8621 for failing to comply with the notice.
“And (Norstar) is still required to fix the stormwater system,” Mr Pugh said.
“Stormwater management at any industrial site plays an important part in ensuring contaminants are not discharged to neighbouring properties or nearby waterways.”
