Date of offence
18 October 2018
Type of offence

1. Did cause an environmental hazard at North Shore on 18.10.2018, contrary to s.27A(1)(c).

2. Did dump industrial waste at North Shore on 18.10.2018, contrary to s.27A(2).

3. Did cause waste placed to gain access-waters at North Shore on 18.10.2018,  contrary to s.39(3).

4. Did pollute land to make harmful to health at North Shore on 18.10.2018, contrary to s.45(1)(b).

Background of offence

The matter relates to the spill of an estimated volume of 1,000-2,000 litres of highly acidic material, being sulphuric acid, from a truck which was operated by Charles JOHNSON into a roadside swale drain located on Madden Avenue, North Shore, which occurred on 18 October 2018. 

The release of the sulphuric acid was caused by JOHNSON's failure to properly secure the acid in his tanker.

On 30 March 2021, before Magistrate Capell, he entered pleas of guilty to the four charges.

JOHNSON was convicted and fined $50,000.00, ordered to pay $94,855.61 in compensation to the Greater Geelong City Council to pay for the clean-up of the sulphuric acid and $3,400.00 in costs to the EPA.

Date of court hearing
30 March 2021
Date of court order
30 March 2021
Court magistrate
A T Capell
Court location
Melbourne
Proceeding number
L11436994

Court orders made

The Offender is to pay $94,855.61 as compensation to the Greater Geelong City Council.

Stay to 27.04.2021.

With conviction, fined $50,000.00 as part of an aggregate order.

C R Johnson (Accused) ordered to pay costs in the amount of $3,400.00.

Reviewed 3 October 2023