EPA ordered it to pay more than $8000 over stockpiles of combustible materials that failed to meet fire suppression requirements.
The company, Monsbent Pty Ltd, trading as D and R Henderson, chips timber for manufacturing into chipboard, and under the Environment Protection Act has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to eliminate risk to human health and the environment.
EPA's north-east region manager Renee Palmer said the company had been ordered to make the stockpiles comply with EPA requirements and was given extra time, but did not meet the deadline.
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“This is not just about paperwork; there were stockpiles of combustible material that were too big and too close together, which would pose a significant challenge for CFA brigades responding to any fire on the premises,” Ms Palmer said.
“The large exposed surface areas of materials in those stockpiles and the available ventilation could lead to rapid fire development and hazardous levels of smoke affecting nearby homes and businesses.
“EPA issued a Pollution Abatement Notice requiring the company to bring the stockpiles into compliance, but the deadline passed and EPA officers using an aerial drone observed stockpiles that still did not comply with the regulations.”
The EPA drone inspection of the company’s factory, on Yarrawonga-Benalla Rd, Benalla, took place on April 8, 2021.
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“EPA remedial notices are legally enforceable instructions to take the required actions by a set deadline, and must be taken seriously,” Ms Palmer said.
“All businesses must understand their responsibilities to the environment and the community.”
The fine, issued under the Environment Protection Act 1970, will cost the company $8261.
It is the fourth infringement issued to the company in the past two years.
D and R Henderson declined to comment.
Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842.
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