The NSW Environment Protection Authority has fined Economy Waste Group Pty Ltd of West Gosford $15,000 for allegedly putting the community and environment at potential risk through the non-compliant stockpiling of waste.
EPA officers inspected the premises at Nells Road West Gosford in December last year and found waste stockpiles exceeding the four metre licence height limit. There were also no stockpile height markers in place, both alleged breaches of their Environment Protection Licence.
EPA Director Regulatory Operations Metro North Adam Gilligan said limits are placed on stockpile heights to reduce the likelihood of dust and litter being blown from the site. Stockpile height markers are an important tool to help manage stockpile heights.
“The company is required to adhere to the conditions of its Environment Protection Licence. Waste which is stockpiled at excessive levels has the potential to generate dust and affect air quality.
“The company has previously received Official Cautions for breaching environment legislation,” Mr Gilligan said.
In 2017 they were cautioned for storing waste outside their licensed area and poor management of stormwater.
Penalty notices are one of a number of tools the EPA can use to achieve environmental compliance including formal warnings, official cautions, licence conditions, notices and directions and prosecutions. In this instance the EPA issued a penalty notice. The notice recipient may pay the penalty notice, seek a review, or elect to have the matter determined by a court.
