Charge:

1. Contravene notice to take clean-up managment measures at Somerton from 21 May 2021 to 9 August 2021.

Mohammed ABDALLAH is the sole director of VWD Group Pty Ltd (VWD Group). VWD Group operate a demolition and excavation business.

On 13 May 2021, officers of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) officers and Hume City Council (HCC) inspected the Premises as part of a strategic compliance blitz regarding businesses operating in the area. The inspection took place following multiple complaints by the public to the HCC and the EPA about demolition trucks entering the Premises and dumping waste on 28 and 31 January 2021.

The inspection revealed a large pile of timber demolition waste that was also visible from the street above the fence line of 24-26 George Street. It measured approximately 47 metres long, 30 metres wide and six metres high (approximately 8,500m3). There were a number of other stockpiles of waste including wood, fabric, plastics, cardboard, electrical wires, vegetation and an insulation type foam.

Also, during the inspection, a pile of mulch was emitting smoke in multiple locations and the EPA officers contacted Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV). The mulch pile was pulled apart using an excavator whilst doused by FRV to prevent the pile from combusting.