Date of offence
Between 10 May 2019 and 15 July 2020
Type of offence

CHARGES:

  1. Caused an environmental hazard at Broadmeadows on 10.05.2019, contrary to s.66B.
  2. Caused an environmental hazard at Broadmeadows on 30.12.2019, contrary to s.66B.
  3. Caused an environmental hazard at Broadmeadows on 28.04.2020, contrary to s.66B.
  4. Store industrial waste – contravene rules at Broadmeadows on 03.07.2020, contrary to s.27A(1)(a).
  5. Disobey conditions of licence at Broadmeadows on 31.03.2020, contrary to s.27(2).
  6. Disobey conditions of licence at Broadmeadows on 31.03.2020, contrary to s.27(2).
  7. Disobey conditions of licence at Broadmeadows on 31.03.2020, contrary to s.27(2).
  8. Disobey conditions of licence at Broadmeadows on 30.04.2020, contrary to s.27(2).
  9. Store industrial waste – contravene rules at Broadmeadows on 15.07.2020, contrary to s.27A(1)(a).
  10. Store industrial waste – contravene rules at Broadmeadows on 15.07.2020, contrary to s.27A(1)(a).
Background of offence

Tyre Crumb is a recycling and resource recovery business in Broadmeadows that processes tyres and electronic waste.  Steven Matousis is the sole director.  On inspection in May 2019 EPA authorised officers found large, organised stockpiles containing approximately double the EPU permitted without a licence. 

 In August 2019 EPA returned and inspected the premises finding a large amount of IBCs storing chemicals that had leaked onto the ground causing a red paint like 2m x 1m hardened mound.  A ruptured IBC had been patched with masking tape in an attempt to seal the leak.  There was no bunding to contain any leaks.  A PAN was issued to install controls to prevent liquid waste from entering the storm water.  This was not complied with.

 In April and May 2020 EPA conducted inspections and found tyre crumb and e-waste stockpiles were in dimensions too large and not in compliance with CRWM guidelines.

 In Jul 2020 EPA conducted an inspection and found five stockpiles of waste in excess of that permitted and in breach of the CRWM guidelines.

 In March, April and July 2021 EPA conducted inspections and found e-waste stockpiles in excess of that permitted by their licence and without sufficient separation distances not in accordance with their licence.  They had not notified the EPA as required.

Date of court hearing
14 April 2023
Date of court order
14 April 2023
Court magistrate
N Warda
Court location
Broadmeadows
Proceeding number
202305657

Court orders made

Without conviction, fined $7,000 as part of an aggregate order.

Reviewed 10 August 2023