The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority has issued a clean-up notice to Gardners Yamba Skip Bin Hire, ordering the company to remove more than 320 tonnes of rubbish allegedly dumped illegally near a tributary of the Clarence River, with a compliance deadline of November 2.
NSW EPA orders skip-bin firm to remove 320 tonnes of contaminated waste from Clarence River tributary site
The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority has issued a clean-up notice to Gardners Yamba Skip Bin Hire, ordering the company to remove more than 320 tonnes of rubbish allegedly dumped illegally near a tributary of the Clarence River, with a compliance deadline of November 2.
EPA officers and NSW Police searched a property at Stockyard Creek, north of Grafton, in May as part of a pollution investigation. Laboratory analysis of samples taken from the site found asbestos and lead contamination in the refuse piles, which also included construction waste, synthetic turf, scrap metal and furniture, the EPA said.
Drone surveillance images showed contaminated waste had allegedly been stockpiled at the site since 2022, according to the EPA.
The Clarence River and its surrounds are used for agriculture, swimming and fishing, the EPA said, describing the area as one of high ecological value.
The landowner has been ordered to provide receipts from a lawful waste receiver for each load removed from the premises and to supply photographs of every stockpile location once the clean-up is complete.
- The source does not state whether any criminal charges have been laid against the company or its proprietor.
- The source does not state the identity of the landowner or whether the landowner is the same person as the business proprietor.
- The source does not state what penalties apply if the clean-up notice is not complied with by November 2.
- The source does not state how the waste was initially detected or what prompted the May investigation.
- The source does not state the total cost of removal or who is expected to bear that cost.
Read the original at ABC News Australia