Duty holders in the state’s south west are again being reminded of the penalties for illegal burn offs after EPA Victoria issued a fine of $1,185 to a Darley individual for illegal burning when a community member reported seeing plumes of smoke issuing from their Darley property.

 

EPA responded to the report and witnessed an individual feeding plastic cement bags into a fire.

 

Burning anything other than green waste is an offence, and EPA is cracking down on businesses, farmers, or residents who are illegally burning waste.  

  

“We have given several warnings already. We have shared the message far and wide about what you can and cannot burn. We are now fining individuals and companies that failed to listen to our advice. If you are caught in the act, expect penalties. You cannot dispose of waste by burning materials like cement bags, silage wrap, mattresses, waste tyres, treated pine and other general waste,” EPA South West Regional Manager Carolyn Francis said.

   

“Smoke from waste burn-offs can lead to harmful effects on human health, particularly for people with asthma or other lung conditions, older people, pregnant women, babies and young children.”

 

“They also impact our immediate environment. Hazardous ash and burnt waste contaminates our soils and local waterways”.

  

Ms Francis said reports of burn offs would be investigated if industrial waste materials were suspected of being involved. While winter usually slowed the practice, stockpiling of material with the intention of burning off as the weather improved toward spring, might still be in some people’s plans.

  

“Take waste to a facility licensed to accept it. If you’re trying to save a few dollars with a backyard burn, EPA will take action.”

If you suspect illegal burn off activity contact EPA on 1300 372 842 or contact@epa.vic.gov.au