A multi-agency team will issue notices and has charged a company following a series of snap inspections in the northern Melbourne suburb of Somerton.

More than 25 officers from EPA Victoria, Victoria Police, Fire Rescue Victoria and Hume City Council arrived unannounced at multiple sites in and around King Street, Somerton investigating breaches of Environment Protection Act 2017, council licensing offences, fire safety offences or the Crimes Act on 7 February, 2023.

“This is a location with several businesses EPA has been watching closely for some time. We have already issued notices against businesses in the area for breaches under the EP Act, but the level of compliance has not been satisfactory,” EPA North Metro Regional Manager Jeremy Settle said.

“The snap inspections are an excellent example of regulatory authorities working together to reduce the potential fire and environmental pollution risks that illegal waste dumps and storage can produce.

“Action has already been taken with notices to be issued on seven businesses so far and charges served against demolition company Victoria Wide Demolition for failing to comply with an EPA Clean Up Notice alleging they permitted industrial waste to be deposited at their facility in the inspection area.

“Our greatest asset in combatting pollution and illegal waste dumping is the public who are our eyes and ears and I encourage people to report suspected illegal waste dumping to EPA.

To report pollution or suspected illegal dumping, phone EPA Contact Centre on 1300 372 842 or contact@epa.vic.gov.au