URGENT UPDATE: The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Victoria has issued a critical warning to residents about the dangers of accepting free soil, following recent fines totaling over $6,000 for two contractors caught unlawfully disposing of contaminated soil. This alarming development highlights the hidden risks associated with accepting unsolicited fill material.
In a decisive action, the EPA fined a contractor in Mornington $4,070 and another in Tuerong $2,035 for dumping thousands of cubic meters of soil laced with asbestos and other hazardous chemicals at properties in Tyabb and Tuerong. Both contractors had deceptively advertised this soil online as “clean fill,” exposing homeowners to serious health and financial risks.
Rachel Gualano, the EPA’s executive director of operations, emphasized the urgent responsibility of all parties in the waste chain: “Everyone involved, including transporters and receivers, must ensure they know what is in the soil they are handling.” The EPA’s warning comes as part of a broader initiative to educate property owners about the potential liabilities of accepting untested soil.
The consequences of accepting contaminated soil can be severe. If property owners fail to verify the quality of soil before accepting it, they may be held liable for its removal, which can be a costly affair. “Accepting untested soil could leave you responsible for cleanup costs if contamination is discovered,” Gualano cautioned. Contaminated soil may contain heavy metals, hydrocarbons, industrial chemicals, and asbestos, all of which pose significant risks to human health, animal life, and groundwater.
This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of accepting free soil, especially when it comes from industrial or commercial sites. The EPA advises property owners to take several critical steps before accepting soil:
– **Understand the source**: Soil from industrial sites carries a higher risk of contamination.
– **Request proof of cleanliness**: Ask for laboratory results confirming that the soil is free from harmful substances.
– **Avoid if uncertain**: If there are any doubts about the soil’s integrity, it’s best to refrain from accepting it.
– **Document thoroughly**: Have a signed contract with the supplier detailing the volumes and quality of soil being received.
– **Conduct visual inspections**: Always check each load for visible contamination and reject any soil that appears suspicious.
This warning extends to soil transporters, who must also recognize their legal responsibilities under the EPA regulations. Sites lacking EPA permission can only accept fill material with all waste removed as far as reasonably practicable. Transporters must ensure that they do not deposit waste in unauthorized locations, as legal repercussions can affect both companies and individuals involved.
The EPA’s proactive measures aim to safeguard public health and prevent unscrupulous operators from exploiting homeowners. With the potential for significant cleanup costs looming, property owners must remain vigilant when accepting soil offers.
As this story develops, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The EPA continues to monitor the situation and enforce compliance to protect the community.
For more updates on this unfolding situation, keep following reliable news sources.
