A Geelong-based demolition company has been hit with a substantial fine after authorities discovered they had been illegally dumping and burning construction waste on a property in Charlemont.
Environmental Breach Uncovered
Warrock Excavations and Demolitions Pty Ltd received a $20,000 penalty from the Environment Protection Authority Victoria for their illegal activities that occurred in late 2022. The company admitted to dumping demolition waste containing timber, plaster, and other construction materials on a rural property located on Hendy Main Road.
Investigators found that the company not only dumped the waste improperly but also set fire to the materials, creating significant environmental concerns. The incident took place between October and November 2022, with the EPA launching an investigation after receiving complaints from concerned local residents.
Legal Consequences and Company Response
The EPA charged Warrock Excavations and Demolitions with two separate environmental offenses related to the illegal disposal of industrial waste. Company director Shane Warrock appeared in the Geelong Magistrates' Court to face the charges on behalf of his business.
Magistrate Franz Holzer approved the $20,000 fine and ordered the company to pay an additional $2,417 in legal costs to the EPA. The court heard that the company had since taken responsibility for their actions and cooperated with the investigation process.
The illegal dumping and burning occurred despite clear regulations prohibiting such activities, particularly for construction and demolition materials that can release harmful substances when burned.
Broader Environmental Implications
EPA Victoria Western Regional Manager Carolyn Francis emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating that illegal dumping and burning of waste undermines the state's environmental protection efforts. She noted that construction waste often contains materials that can become hazardous when improperly handled or burned.
This case serves as a warning to other demolition and construction companies about their environmental responsibilities. The EPA has been increasing its monitoring of waste management practices across the industry, particularly following several similar incidents in regional Victoria.
Local residents in the Charlemont area expressed relief that action had been taken, noting that the illegal burning had caused concerns about air quality and potential contamination of the surrounding farmland.
The EPA continues to encourage community members to report any suspicious waste disposal activities through their pollution hotline, emphasizing that public vigilance plays a crucial role in protecting Victoria's environment from similar violations.
