URGENT UPDATE: A Pearcedale-based company, AusConnect Underground Services, has been hit with a $10,176 fine after illegally dumping 37,000 litres of drilling sludge near the Ovens River in Wangaratta. This shocking incident occurred in August 2023, as a witness reported seeing a truck unloading waste along Oxley Flats Road.
Authorities from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) quickly traced the vehicle back to AusConnect, confirming that the company was responsible for the hazardous waste. In addition to the fine, the business has been ordered to cover the costs of cleaning the contaminated site, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability in waste management.
Ben Kneebone, EPA regional manager, stated, “This kind of pollution can be common in regional areas where there are large scale projects under way.” He warned the industry that companies must ensure their contractors adhere to proper waste disposal protocols. “They still run the risk of being held responsible for their contractors trying to cut corners with industrial waste,” he added.
The sludge posed a serious risk of unknown contaminants leaching into the soil and affecting nearby waterways, which is why it was critical for the waste to be disposed of in an appropriately licensed facility. Fortunately, the waste sludge has since been successfully removed, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with improper disposal practices.
With environmental concerns on the rise, this incident highlights the pressing need for stricter enforcement of waste management regulations. As the industry faces increased scrutiny, it remains crucial for all companies to prioritize environmental responsibility.
Stay tuned for further developments as authorities continue to monitor the situation and ensure all necessary measures are taken to prevent future incidents.
