An auto salvage company’s failure to comply with an EPA Victoria notice has cost it a $5,548 fine.

Arara Motors of Fordson Rd, Campbellfield operates a car wrecking and spare parts business. It did not have appropriate controls in place to manage the fire risk at the premises leading to the overstocking of end-of-life vehicles which not only increases the risk of fire, but prevents fire fighters from being able to suitably respond if one did occur.

“Every Victorian has a role to play in reducing the risks to our communities and environment from pollution and waste. EPA has been especially clear with the auto salvage industry; there is a fire risk that must be addressed. Failure to do so could harm the environment and the health of the community and will incur penalties,” EPA North Metropolitan Regional Manager Jeremy Settle said.

“Arara was given a notice to produce a stock management plan and improve its management of the stocked spare auto parts to reduce fire risks. Failure to do so sees them $5,548 worse off and they still have to produce that management plan.”

Mr Settle said his officers would be checking in on the company and continuing their vigilance over industries in their region, and as EPA has been doing across the state, taking a zero tolerance approach to unmanaged fire risks.

As ever, our best eyes and ears are members of the community so if you believe you’ve seen pollution or someone failing to act appropriately and creating a risk to the environment, call us on 1300 372 842 or contact@epa.vic.gov.au”