A civil contracting company will foot a hefty bill after dumping asbestos-contaminated soil at a rural property in the Cessnock LGA.
Rahme Civil Pty Ltd (Rahme Civil) was fined $33,750 by Parramatta Local Court for failing to comply with an NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) clean-up notice, as well as communications for information and records, following the incident in Fernances Crossing.
It’s understood the delivery took place in 2023 after the landowners advertised for fill material, which can be used as a base material for building or landscaping.
But, an EPA investigation found the waste contained fragments of asbestos.
A clean-up notice was issued to Rahme Civil to remove and lawfully dispose of it as well as notices for information about the incident, which were all ignored by the company.
EPA executive director regulatory operations Jason Gordon said the subsequent prosecution highlighted the consequences of failing to comply with EPA warnings.
“There is an expectation that companies obey legal notices from a regulatory agency,” he explained.
“Any failure to cooperate with lawful clean-up directions or with an EPA investigation will not be tolerated.
“Companies or individuals who ignore notices issued by the EPA, and impede our investigations, will face strong regulatory action.”
Mr Gordon said the case also highlighted the dangers of residents accepting fill material, either for free or at heavily-discounted rates, without confirming the credibility of the supplier.
“It is important that consumers are vigilant and take the time to ask where it has come from, record delivery details, and look out for suspicious or unusual materials in the load,” he added.
“We encourage the public to be especially wary of cheap or free fill – if it’s free, it’s likely too good to be true.”
In addition to the fine, Rahme Civil was ordered to comply with all EPA notices, pay the EPA’s legal costs and publish details of the offence in local media, outlining its failure to comply with the notices.
If you suspect illegal dumping activity in your community, contact the 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555 or by email at info@epa.nsw.gov.au.
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