EPA Victoria has commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court against SBI Landfill Pty Ltd and its directors, alleging a range of serious non-compliances with Victoria’s environment protection laws.

Included in the five allegations are that the company did not comply with the requirements of its operating licence and failed to meet its General Environmental Duty because of the prolonged impacts odour from its landfill located at Ballarto Road, Cranbourne, is having on local residents.

EPA is seeking civil penalties and injunctions against the company and its directors.  If proven by EPA, penalties could exceed $1.8 million for the company and $360,000 for directors for each allegation.

EPA is also asking the court to issue interim orders that the company ceases to accept any waste at the site until it improves management of the landfill site and prevents unacceptable impacts on human health and the environment.

This latest action is an escalation of regulatory action against the company, after odours were first reported by the local community in March 2022.

As these matters are now before the Court, EPA will not be making any further comments.