Soilco Pty Ltd has received a fine of $30,000 following a significant breach of its waste management regulations at its composting facility in Longreach. The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) discovered that the facility exceeded its approved annual waste limit by over 12,000 tonnes. The breach was self-reported by the facility, which confirmed that it had surpassed its 98,000-tonne annual licence cap by the equivalent of approximately 240 semi-trailer loads.
The EPA’s investigation into the incident highlighted the serious implications of exceeding waste limits. Steve Beaman, Executive Director of Operations at the EPA, emphasized the importance of compliance for environmental safety and fair competition. “Licence limits are set because facilities are designed to safely handle only a certain volume of waste,” Mr. Beaman stated. He added that exceeding these limits not only poses risks to the environment but also provides an unfair advantage to companies that do not adhere to regulations.
The facility’s location next to the Shoalhaven River raises additional concerns. The potential for pollution from the site poses a threat to the river and the native aquatic life it supports. The accumulation of excess mulch and garden waste also increases the risk of onsite fires, potentially endangering nearby homes and habitats, particularly in the Bamarang Nature Reserves and surrounding areas.
This incident marks the second penalty for Soilco within a three-year period. Mr. Beaman indicated that the EPA would consider stronger actions if any further breaches occur. “Breaching licence limits increases the risk of odour, runoff, pollution, and operational failures that can impact the local community and environment,” he remarked.
The EPA will continue to monitor the waste intake at the Longreach facility closely to ensure compliance and protect the local environment. This case serves as a reminder of the crucial role that waste management regulations play in safeguarding both ecological systems and public health.
