Sarah Oliver
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Hume City Council will “crack down” on illegal dumping of asbestos-ridden soil in the area.
In a joint statement, EPA and Hume are encouraging residents to report on “dogdy operators” who unload the dangerous soil.
EPA northern metropolitan regional manager Jeremy Settle said: “This deliberate pollution is contaminating your suburb, town or neighbourhood. It’s a criminal offence and your help with something as simple as noting down a truck number plate can enable the EPA to track down the offender”.
If soil is found to have even a small percentage of asbestos, it must be taken to a licensed facility for proper disposal, otherwise EPA can fine or prosecute the offender, the statement said.
“We can even make them clean it up,” Mr Settle said.
“And it all starts with that call from a member of the public”.
According to Hume council sustainable infrastructure and services director Peter Waite, the dumping is an attempt to cut costs at the detriment of the community.
“By avoiding the cost of proper disposal, offenders are lining their own pockets and undercutting honest local businesses with suspiciously cheap quotes for demolition and clean-up work,” Mr Waite said.
The EPA is encouraging residents to report on any suspicious activity when comparing quotes and to be careful when purchasing soil online.
“A prompt report to the council or EPA with any identifying details can make sure the culprit pays the price, not the community,” Mr Waite said.
To report pollution, call EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).
