Thousands of dollars in fines have been issued after multiple businesses were allegedly found illegally dealing with asbestos and other waste, according to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
DETSI said in a statement that 10 search warrants were executed simultaneously last month, with the help of local police, to collect evidence in relation to the alleged illegal operations.
The authorities say they were alerted to the situation by members of the public reporting “suspicious activity”.
“Information indicated that several operators were acting illegally by receiving and handling waste without an Environmental Authority (EA), including vehicle wrecking and receiving scrap metal and construction waste, including asbestos and end-of-life tyres,” the DETSI statement read.
“An EA provides businesses with conditions they must comply with to manage environmental risks associated with their operations.
“Unlicensed waste operators present significant environmental risks, not to mention unfairly undercutting lawful operators who are meeting their environmental obligations to protect our environment.”
At least one of the accused companies is facing fines of $16,690, with DETSI promising strong enforcement action against unlicensed activities.
DETSI executive director Brad Wirth said the operation was a success.
“It took a lot of preparation to orchestrate this operation; it is a complex project, and the safety of our staff and those operating at the premises is our top priority,” he said.
“Improper waste handling can impact the environment through the release of contaminated water, increased fire risk, and dust and noise nuisance impacts, which is why these activities must be licensed.
“Let this serve as a warning to waste operators who think they are above the law: it is not worth the risk.”
He said this wasn’t the first or the last operation of this kind.
“Enabling illegal activities to occur not only has detrimental environmental impacts, but it is also unfair to operators who are complying with their environmental responsibilities – something we do not take lightly.
“We will continue to take strong compliance action against operators and individuals allegedly engaging in illegal activity.”
