Fine for environment advice business

A company engaged in providing environmental advice to businesses has been fined after it allowed an uncontrolled deposit of the fire suppression powder Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) at its site in Melton.

EPA Victoria has fined Environmentally Friendly Australia Services Pty Ltd (EFAS) $4,070 for the unlawful deposit of dangerous litter when it failed to properly control offsite discharge of end-of-life fire extinguishers they were recycling.

The MAP powder was left along the outside of the Norton Drive boundary and near stormwater drain systems creating a potential environmental risk.

MAP powder can harm the environment by changing the natural balance of soil and water. It may increase nutrient levels in waterways, which can reduce water quality and affect plants and animals that rely on clean water.

Under the EP Act, substances like MAP may be considered dangerous litter if they pose a risk to human health or the environment.

“Everyone has a duty to act to protect the environment and that is especially true of companies engaged in providing environmental services,” said EPA West Metropolitan Regional Manager, Julia Gaitan.

“EFAS will no doubt learn its lesson from this incident, but it’s a message to all businesses to take care not to create environmental risks.”