An industrial waste fire at Mt Cottrell has left EPA Victoria praising local CFA firefighters and slapping a fine on the Tarneit man who owns the property.

EPA Western Metropolitan Regional Manager Jeremy Settle says while fighting the fire, the CFA crew made observations that provided vital information for the investigation.

“While they brought the blaze under control, the volunteers noted that the pile included materials not permitted for open air burning, including building rubble, plastics, particle board, plaster, metal and other wastes,” Mr Settle said.

“Their quick response and detailed observations gave EPA officers the evidence to work with,” he said.

EPA identified the owner of the Faulkners Rd property and fined him $1,186 for burning more than 50 litres and less than 1,000 litres of waste, a breach of the Environment Protection Act 2017.

“Burning waste like this is completely inappropriate and contaminates the soil, then the next rain takes the contamination to the nearest creek. The smoke can also cause odour and potentially affect people’s health,” Mr Settle said.

“As a landholder, if you're questioning whether you can burn certain things, chances are you can't. It is unlawful to dispose of industrial waste of this type by burning. Check the information from your local council relating to open air burning before you strike the match,” he said.

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the duty holder has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution