Soilco Pty Ltd has been fined $30,000 for surpassing its approved waste limits at its composting facility located in Longreach, New South Wales. The company accepted more than 12,000 tonnes of mulch and garden waste beyond its licensed annual cap of 98,000 tonnes. The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) initiated an investigation after the facility self-reported the violation, which amounts to roughly 240 semi-trailer loads of excess material.
The breach has raised concerns regarding the potential environmental risks associated with exceeding established waste limits. Steve Beaman, the EPA’s Executive Director of Operations, emphasized the importance of compliance, stating that “licence limits are set because facilities are designed to safely handle only a certain volume of waste.” He highlighted that non-compliance not only jeopardizes the environment but also gives companies an unfair advantage over those adhering to regulations.
According to Beaman, exceeding waste limits can lead to various issues, including increased odour, runoff, and pollution. These factors pose a significant threat to the local community, particularly since the facility is adjacent to the Shoalhaven River, which supports native aquatic life. “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,” he added.
The accumulation of excess mulch and garden waste also raises the risk of fires at the facility, potentially endangering nearby homes and habitats in the Bamarang Nature Reserves. This incident marks the second fine imposed on Soilco within a three-year period, indicating a troubling pattern of compliance issues. Beaman warned that stronger penalties would be considered for any future violations.
The EPA plans to monitor waste intake at the Longreach facility closely moving forward to ensure compliance and mitigate risks to the environment. The agency’s commitment to safeguarding local ecosystems underscores the critical need for waste management facilities to operate within their designated limits.
