Stawell landfill trips up… again over licence breach
An unannounced inspection by EPA at Stawell landfill has resulted in a fine for its operator, Statewide Waste Pty Ltd.
The company who received a fine of almost $6,000 was found to be in breach of a licence condition stipulating waste must be covered with a minimum of 300 millimeters of soil at the end of each day.
EPA officers were tipped off following a community complaint alleging that an area of waste had not been covered at the southern end of the landfill’s current cell.
Covering of waste is a key preventative measure in helping control odour, litter and vermin.
EPA’s north west regional manager Tim Eaton said Statewide Waste should be under no illusions about their licence conditions.
“The company was fined for exactly the same thing a couple of years ago so it is disappointing they have failed to ensure compliance by breaching the same licence condition,” he said.
“EPA has received an increase in community complaints with regard to the site. The company needs to be doing better than it currently is.”
Mr Eaton said landfills require careful management and ongoing neglect of licence conditions may result in more serious long term environmental impacts.
“Licence requirements for landfills are not negotiable”
The company has 28 days to pay the fine, seek an internal review or have the matter dealt with in court.