News briefs
Boarding kennel defies notice
A boarding kennel that failed to address the issue of noisy dogs has been fined $5671.
In December last year New Covenant Corporation Pty Ltd trading as Warragul Boarding Kennels was issued with a Minor Works Pollution Abatement Notice by EPA, requiring the boarding operation to cease until the kennels were upgraded with acoustic baffling.
EPA Gippsland manager Elizabeth Radcliffe said the operator ceased boarding, however EPA continued to receive reports of noise from the breeding dogs remaining on the premises.
“During a period of continuous monitoring of noise from the site, undertaken over a week in May this year, EPA officers detected 16 breaches of the required noise limits. They also noted periods where dogs were barking for several hours.
“Numerous attempts have been made to have the company take action, none of which have been successful. Their failure to take this matter seriously has resulted in this fine being issued.”
Ms Radcliffe said “the situation created by the company was untenable for its neighbours and they need to ensure they comply with EPA directions.”
The company has 28 days to pay the fine, seek an internal review or have the matter dealt with in court.
Carbon offset market continues to grow
The number of companies providing carbon offsets in the Australian market continues to grow, according to the latest update to the Carbon Offset Guide.
EPA acting director business development, Krista Milne, said the on-line guide now lists 72 providers, up from 68 in September 2008, with 55 of these providers able to provide certified offsets.
“The Guide, developed by Global Sustainability at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in partnership with EPA, helps purchasers compare offset providers and learn how the carbon market works,” Ms Milne said.
“In such a rapidly expanding market, this web-based guide is a comprehensive and independent resource for businesses, government agencies, NGO organisations and individuals seeking information about offsets.
The guide provides a list of carbon offset providers, prices, project locations, descriptions and accreditation standards. A carbon offset allows a company or individual to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions by investing in a project or activity that reduces or stores greenhouse gases.
The directory is at www.carbonoffsetguide.com.au
Industry Update
Subscribe to this free service as it provides brief, relevant information concerning EPA programs and activities, including notification of new publications and legislation. More »
Publications Update
Subscribe to this free service and receive notification of new EPA publications. More »