An Echuca Magistrate has ordered the former owners of a local abattoir, Echuca Productions, to pay legal costs of $3,688 and $10,000 into the court fund after it failed to act on an EPA Victoria notice to repair containment facilities that could lead to pollution impacting the environment and neighbouring residential properties.

 

At the time, Christopher Peat was a director Echuca Productions Pty Ltd, an abattoir in close proximity to the Murray River and local homes.  Mr Peat was also placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond.

 

In November 2021, EPA officers inspecting the facility’s trade waste liquid storage tanks found broken bunding. The bunding is necessary to contain liquids that might escape if the tanks were compromised.

 

Despite officers returning to the site and reiterating the requirement, the bunding was not repaired.

 

“Our notices are legally binding.  Failure to comply with our notices will cost you,” North West Regional Manager Paul Ratajczyk explained.

 

“EPA continues to respond to reports of odour from the abattoir.  EPA has issued a regulatory notice to the new owners of the abattoir to implement controls to prevent odours moving offsite.  The notice requirements are due to be met at the end of May.  The new owners have updated EPA about the progress of works and EPA will be inspecting the completed works in June.”