Truck in Traralgon brings dairy effluent to town

EPA Victoria has fined an East Gippsland man $1,221 after his truck splashed a Traralgon street with liquid manure in the middle of early afternoon traffic.

The spill was witnessed by other motorists and EPA staff who were volunteering at a Clean Up Australia Day activity along Traralgon Creek.

An EPA officer who was one of the volunteers, saw the effluent flowing from the truck, recognised the distinctive odour of dairy effluent and took photographs.

The incident occurred on 2 March 2026 as the truck was carrying cattle through the Princes Highway and Whittaker Road intersection, and vehicles following the truck cars drove through the mess.

The spilled effluent flowed north along the roadway before entering a stormwater drain that empties into Traralgon Creek.

EPA has fined the man for the unlawful deposit of waste of more than 50 litres but not more than 1000 litres, an offence under the Environment Protection Act 2017.

EPA Gippsland Regional Manager Jessica Bandiera says anyone operating a livestock transport vehicle must know their responsibilities.

“The incident shows how poor effluent management when transporting livestock can result in unlawful pollution, even in routine driving conditions like stopping and starting in traffic,” Ms Bandiera said.

“The truck driver is responsible for ensuring effluent tanks on the truck are emptied, well maintained and secure before entering public roads. Livestock effluent on roads can pose safety risks, cause environmental harm and lead to enforcement action, including fines,” she said.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s guidance on managing livestock effluent is available online at nhvr.gov.au/files/media/document/83/202212-1326-managing-effluent-in-the-livestock-supply-chain-ricp.pdf

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the driver has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution