FOLLOWING an extensive investigation by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA), charges have been laid against a Dandenong South company over a major waste dumping incident in Gippsland in June 2021.
Company Renex Op Co Pty Ltd and its director Marinos Angelodemou, have been charged with 21 offences under the Environment Protection Act 1970.
The charges relate to the dumping of industrial waste at Woodside North Quarry, Gippsland.
“As ever, it was the local community that were our best eyes and ears and they reported the dumping to us in June 2021,” said Gippsland regional manager Jess Bandiera.
“We monitored the situation closely to establish the dumped substance did not pose a health threat to neighbouring property holders and took action to ensure it did not escape the site during heavy rain periods.
“The soil has been removed under an EPA notice.
“We remained in contact with community members and council, their assistance was key to this investigation.”
Ms Bandiera said the investigation was complex and needed time to ensure the best possible chance of an outcome.
“We are determined to hold polluters to account and we have used our strong regulatory powers, working with local knowledge, to lay these charges.”
Report pollution to the EPA on 1300 372 842.
