Spreading human effluent on a paddock has landed Rows-A-Loo Pty Ltd an EPA Victoria fine.

The company, based a Yarroweyah in the state’s north east, has been fined $5761 for dumping industrial waste.

EPA Wangaratta manager Ann Telford said EPA officers responded to a pollution report in March this year alleging sanitary and toilet waste was being deposited on land owned by one of the businesses directors. Other business operating on the site, include a piggery farm and small manufacturing and importing businesses.

“Officers undertaking an inspection of the area found that toilet waste had been spread across the surface of a paddock near the piggery effluent ponds. Sanitary products were also found scattered across the paddock.

“This is clearly not an ideal situation and one we wouldn’t want to see repeated. Apparently staff used the same truck for both toilet and piggery waste and failed to sufficiently clean it out before using it for the piggery waste.”

The company was also required to ensure there is no further dumping or discharge of waste from the site. Ms Telford said the company had been very helpful throughout EPA’s investigation.

“Dumping human effluent and sanitary waste could cause high nutrient loads on the land and pollution to both surface and ground waters. In this instance there appears to be no ongoing impact, as the company removed the waste.”

Ms Telford said the company has undertaken to train its staff in the business and environment requirements.

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

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