Local waste facility hit by six-digit fines after contaminating area with hazardous chemical
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Aussie establishments comply with strict regulations to ensure everyone's safety.
These establishments include local waste facilities that are in charge of keeping the surroundings safe and free from rubbish.
A waste facility operator has been slapped with a hefty fine after a dangerous discovery on their property.
Asbestos Demolition Specialists was a facility located in Eagleby, just south of Brisbane.
The facility harboured a significant environmental threat, as rubbish overflowed from shipping containers and construction debris scattered dangerously close to a body of water.
Yet, the most alarming aspect of the find was the presence of asbestos—a material notorious for causing serious illnesses, including cancer.
The case was described as one of the 'worst-ever illegal asbestos' incidents by Queensland authorities.
It highlighted the potential risks lurking in seemingly innocuous places.
Asbestos Demolition Specialists faced a hefty $400,000 fine.
The facility's director also faced the court for their failure to adhere to environmental regulations.
The director received a separate fine of $100,000 and a suspended nine-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to offences related to illegally operating a waste facility.
The company was also ordered to restore the contaminated land and pay an additional $75,544 to cover waste disposal licensing fees.
The Beenleigh Magistrates Court's ruling came after years of investigation, which began in 2020.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) first issued a direction notice to the company to cease waste reception.
Despite a subsequent penalty infringement notice for non-compliance, follow-up inspections revealed that the facility continued to accumulate waste, including asbestos.
The company's guilty plea to nine offences under the Environmental Protection Act was a clear admission of the deliberate and extensive nature of the violations.
DESI's Executive Director for Industry Development Brad Wirth emphasised the gravity of the situation.
'The handling, management, and disposal of asbestos waste is strictly regulated by the department to protect the health and safety of our communities and the environment,' Mr Wirth said.
This incident should be a cautionary tale for property owners and waste facility operators across Australia.
The risks associated with improper waste management are too significant to ignore.
These practices could pose direct threats to the community and the environment and carry legal and financial repercussions.
This case was a stark reminder to ensure that all waste disposal should be conducted in accordance with state and federal regulations.
It's also a call to action for all Australians to be aware of the potential hazards in their surroundings.
Have you encountered any environmental hazards in your community? Share your experiences and thoughts on how to ensure a safer environment in the comments section below.
These establishments include local waste facilities that are in charge of keeping the surroundings safe and free from rubbish.
A waste facility operator has been slapped with a hefty fine after a dangerous discovery on their property.
Asbestos Demolition Specialists was a facility located in Eagleby, just south of Brisbane.
The facility harboured a significant environmental threat, as rubbish overflowed from shipping containers and construction debris scattered dangerously close to a body of water.
Yet, the most alarming aspect of the find was the presence of asbestos—a material notorious for causing serious illnesses, including cancer.
Shipping containers full of rubbish were spotted in the Asbestos Demolition Specialists' property. Image Credit: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
The case was described as one of the 'worst-ever illegal asbestos' incidents by Queensland authorities.
It highlighted the potential risks lurking in seemingly innocuous places.
Asbestos Demolition Specialists faced a hefty $400,000 fine.
The facility's director also faced the court for their failure to adhere to environmental regulations.
The director received a separate fine of $100,000 and a suspended nine-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to offences related to illegally operating a waste facility.
The company was also ordered to restore the contaminated land and pay an additional $75,544 to cover waste disposal licensing fees.
The Beenleigh Magistrates Court's ruling came after years of investigation, which began in 2020.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) first issued a direction notice to the company to cease waste reception.
Despite a subsequent penalty infringement notice for non-compliance, follow-up inspections revealed that the facility continued to accumulate waste, including asbestos.
The company's guilty plea to nine offences under the Environmental Protection Act was a clear admission of the deliberate and extensive nature of the violations.
DESI's Executive Director for Industry Development Brad Wirth emphasised the gravity of the situation.
'The handling, management, and disposal of asbestos waste is strictly regulated by the department to protect the health and safety of our communities and the environment,' Mr Wirth said.
This incident should be a cautionary tale for property owners and waste facility operators across Australia.
The risks associated with improper waste management are too significant to ignore.
These practices could pose direct threats to the community and the environment and carry legal and financial repercussions.
This case was a stark reminder to ensure that all waste disposal should be conducted in accordance with state and federal regulations.
It's also a call to action for all Australians to be aware of the potential hazards in their surroundings.
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