AU By the Numbers – FINE GIVEN FOR MISMANAGEMENT OF MOLASSES MIX
Lack of training around waste disposal has landed a Gippsland stockfeed company an EPA Victoria fine.
Colbinabbin company Reid Stockfeeds Pty Ltd was fined $5671 by EPA following an incident from its Trafalgar premises in May this year.
EPA Traralgon manager Elizabeth Radcliffe said officers responding to a public report of pollution found waste in a stormwater drain near businesses in Trafalgar.
The waste was traced back to Reid Stockfeeds, where officers discovered a bund area below the canola oil and molasses storage tanks, pumping waste into the onsite stormwater pit. Once discovered clean up of the drain was organised.
“While some of the watery molasses mix made its way into the Contour Drain via the stormwater drain there has been no long term environmental impact and no wildlife has been affected.”
A Reid Stockfeeds spokesperson said the normal procedure had not been adhered to on this occasion as a waste contractor usually cleared out the bund area.
“An employee mistakenly believed they were doing the right thing. We’ve addressed this and have now ensured that all staff know the correct practices.”
Ms Radcliffe said “this incident highlights the importance of ensuring that procedures are in place to protect the environment and that everyone is aware of them.”
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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