Yarra Valley Water Corporation

Date of offence or contravention05 Jul 2016
Type of offence or contravention

1. Struckout - Withdrawn.

2. Did pollute waters to make noxious on or about 05.07.2016 at Chirnside Park, contrary to s.39(1)(a).

3. Did pollute waters to make poisonous on or about 05.07.2016 at Chirnside Park, contrary to s.39(1)(c).

4. Did pollute waters to make detrimental for uses on or about 05.07.2016 at Chirnside Park, contrary to s.39(1)(e).

Background of offence or contraventionCharges were laid by Environment Protection Authority (EPA) under section 39(1) of the Environment Protection Act 1970. The pollution offences relate to the unlawful discharge of 700,498 litres of untreated domestic sewage and industrial effluent into the Paynes Road Drain in early July 2016.
Date of court hearing12 December 2018
Date of court order12 December 2018
Judicial officerN La Rosa
Court and locationRingwood
Proceeding numberJ10096516

Court orders made

Upon finding the charges proved, a s.67AC Community Project and Publication order was made, in the sum of $80,000 to fund local community groups and Yarra Ranges Council to protect and rehabilitate the Remnant Billabong System in Yering.

Further the Accused is to undertake a local community education program at the cost of $20,000 regarding the disposal of wet wipes. The Order is without conviction.

Yarra Valley Water Corporation (Accused) ordered to pay costs in the amount of $5,000.

Stay to 09.02.2019.

Updated