Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has laid 39 charges each against a company and a former company director under both the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Environment Protection Act 2017 following an investigation into the alleged discharge of odour, dust, airborne particles and Oxides of Nitrogen from a Benalla particle board factory.

The company charged is Monsbent Pty Ltd (trading as D&R Henderson).

The charges allege that the company and its director committed 39 offences including that on various dates in May, June, July, August, September, October and November 2021 and April and June 2022, it breached the conditions of the licence it was issued by EPA.  The breaches involved allegedly discharging or emitting nuisance dust and/or nuisance airborne particles, odours and other substances beyond the boundaries of its premises located at 42 Benalla-Yarrawonga Rd Benalla, in a manner that was not permitted by that licence.

The alleged breaches are criminal offences under the legislation. 

EPA information on licences, permits and registrations for businesses whose activities that pose a risk to human health and the environment from pollution and waste are available at www.epa.vic.gov.au

As the matter is now before the courts EPA will be making no further comment.