The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has commenced an investigation into allegations of significant unlawful waste disposal in the northeast of the State.
The investigation has identified the disposal of waste material has been undertaken by skip bin business, Gerke Waste Management, at a Scottsdale property with no relevant authorities in place from either council or the EPA, and the unlawful disposal appears to have been occurring for many years.
EPA Director and Chief Executive Officer, Wes Ford, said an Environment Protection Notice (EPN) was served on Gerke Waste Management on Tuesday 5 November 2024 which requires disposal of waste at the property to cease and for the business not to disturb the waste that has already been deposited.
“In addition to stopping an unauthorised activity, the EPN will also provide for the EPA to undertake a detailed investigation into what has been deposited at the site," said Mr Ford.
“The unlawful disposal of waste material has the potential to cause significant environmental and public health impacts.
Gerke Waste Management will have the option of finding authorised facilities to take their skip bins, and by serving the EPN the EPA has taken swift action to stop further unlawful activity while the investigation is underway."
Where illegal dumping offenders are identified, Litter Abatement Notices can be issued that require the offender to clean up the rubbish at their own cost.
“Skip bin users can reasonably expect their waste to be lawfully disposed of and the EPA encourages businesses that use these services to ensure the waste contractors they deal with hold the relevant approvals and take their waste to authorised facilities," Mr Ford said.
Members of the public are reminded to report illegal dumping by calling the EPA on 1800 005 171 or by visiting the Report Rubbish web application at rubbish.epa.tas.gov.au.
Published on:
7/11/2024