The Victorian branch of the Environmental Protection Authority has fined a construction company over unauthorised construction work, which didn’t comply with the appropriate environmental approvals.
RENEX Op Co Pty Ltd operates an EPA-licensed thermal treatment plant that accepts contaminated soil and material that is then heat treated. The company had constructed a storage shed, a filtration system and an attached 1.4 megalitre tank without first seeking EPA Works Approval.
“The Works Approval process is there to make sure that proposed works are adequately assessed and environmental risks can be addressed prior to construction and installation of new systems,” explained EPA Southern Metropolitan Region Manager Marleen Mathias.
“It gives EPA the power to apply legally enforceable conditions to the project design to protect the environment and the community.”
The EPA fined the company for conducting works without the necessary approval and fined them $8,261 for the offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1970. The EPA has also committed to ongoing monitoring of the site, and any appropriate regulatory actions required, in line with their compliance and enforcement policies.
The company has the right to review the infringement notice or to have the matter heard and determined by a court.