Soilco Pty Ltd has been fined $30,000 after taking in more than 12,000 tonnes of mulch and garden waste above its approved annual waste limit at its Longreach composting facility.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) investigated the breach after the Wogamia Road facility self-reported the non-compliance and confirmed an exceedance of its 98,000-tonne annual licence cap by the equivalent of roughly 240 semi-trailer loads.
EPA Executive Director of Operations Steve Beaman said the penalties reflect the serious risks of exceeding licence limits and the need for operators to manage waste responsibly.
“Licence limits are set because facilities are designed to safely handle only a certain volume of waste,” Mr Beaman said.
“By exceeding these limits, companies not only put the environment at risk, but they can also gain a financial advantage over competitors who follow the rules.
“Breaching licence limits increases the risk of odour, runoff, pollution, and operational failures that can impact the local community and environment.
“This facility sits right next to the Shoalhaven River, so any potential pollution from the site poses a real threat to the river and the native aquatic life it supports.
“Excess mulch and garden waste also raises the risk of fires on site, which could threaten nearby homes and habitats in Wogamia and Bamarang Nature Reserves.
“This is the second fine for Soilco in three years, and stronger action will be considered for any further breaches.”
Mr Beaman said the EPA will continue to monitor the waste intake at the facility closely.
For more information on Environment Protection Licences, conditions, and how the EPA regulates waste facilities, visit the EPA website.