Almost $50,000 in fines have been handed out to a family-owned, Tasmanian-operated company that unlawfully dumped rubbish at a rural property just outside of Hobart.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) slapped Spectran Group with the fines totalling over $40,000 following investigations into allegations of illegal waste disposal at a property in Pawleena near Sorell.
Spectran Group disposed of a “significant quantity of waste material” on the private land, including construction debris from Hobart demolition sites, tyres, hot water cylinders, plastic piping, timbers, clean fill, electrical conduit, insulation and carpets.
“The EPA’s investigation confirmed the disposal of waste was undertaken without relevant permissions or authority and that the disposal of the waste material constituted multiple breaches of Tasmanian environmental legislation,” a spokesperson said.
“The investigation into the unlawful disposal also identified breaches of the Tasmanian environmental legislation by the owner of the land, who was also fined.”
The EPA has warned anyone thinking of dumping rubbish anywhere in the state to prepare to face “significant financial penalties”.
“Where illegal dumping offenders are identified, Litter Abatement Notices can be issued that require the offender to clean-up the rubbish at their own cost,” they said.
“The unlawful disposal of waste material has the potential to cause significant environmental and public health impacts.”
Anyone witnessing or encountering illegal dumping is encouraged to report it to the EPA by calling 1800 005 171 or visiting rubbish.epa.tas.gov.au.
