Cleanaway fined

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has issued Cleanaway Solid Waste Pty Ltd with two penalty infringement notices (PINs) totalling $26,690.

The PINs, each of $13,345, are for two breaches of the company’s environmental authority (EA) for its landfill facility at New Chum.

Cleanaway reported to DES that on 7 January and 19 January 2021, following rain events, it released water containing contaminants (suspended solids) from its stormwater facility that exceeded its EA release limits.

The stormwater facility is required to treat certain contaminants to a level specified by the EA conditions prior to discharge.

“Managing contaminants in stormwater is a fundamental requirement of landfill operations,” Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said.

“DES, as Queensland’s environmental regulator, treats any breach of EA conditions very seriously.

“This relates to all landfills, but particularly those in the Ipswich area, where these operators are under significant regulatory and community scrutiny.”

Under environmental legislation, Cleanaway has the option to contest the PINs.

ENDS

Media contact:                      DES Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au