EPA Victoria has fined one of Australia’s largest earth moving companies for dumping a large quantity of acid sulfate soils on a site in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Acid sulfate soil can lead to the acidification of surface water, groundwater and other soil. .

Lantrak Pty Ltd was fined $5671 for dumping almost 1500 cubic metres of acid sulfate soil at a “clean fill” site in Carrington Drive, St Albans. Clean fill is naturally occurring material such as soil or rock that poses no threat to the environment.

EPA Victoria Environmental Services director Bruce Dawson said acid sulfate soil had the potential to cause significant environmental problems.

“Acid sulfate soils have high levels of metal sulfides, and they have the potential to generate sulphuric acid which then flows into the environment. Runoff can have a negative impact on groundwater, the aquatic environment and engineering works,” he said.

“Dumping this kind of soil in the wrong place can cause a range of issues, and this fine is a warning to Lantrak that they need better processes to ensure this kind of situation doesn’t occur in the future.”

The company has 28 days from the date of issue to pay the fine, seek an internal review or have the matter dealt with in court

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