NILLUMBIK SHIRE. — Diamond Creek property owner Joseph Chetcutti has been fined $60,000 and ordered to clean up the mess, expected to cost more than $1 million.
The case went before Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday, July 21, and was described by Environment Protection Authority CEO Joss Crawford as a “brazen and highly organised criminal waste dumping operation.”
Mr Chetcuti pleaded guilty to depositing industrial waste without authorisation and failing to comply with an environmental action notice. He must also pay $12,098 in legal costs.
EPA Victoria has advised that legal proceedings have resulted in the property owner being fined $60,000, ordered to pay $12,098 in legal costs and required to clean up the site.
Fire crews sent to the Black Gully Road, Diamond Creek property found that industrial waste was being burnt off without authorisation.
Asbestos was also found within the soil at the Black Gully Road property.
The Environment Protection Authority said that Mr Chetcuti failed to comply with notices. Further investigations are being made into the trucking companies and vehicles used to transport the waste to the Diamond Creek property.
A Nillumbik Shire representative said: “Council acknowledges the significant work undertaken by EPA Victoria as the lead agency responsible for investigating and enforcing illegal waste dumping offences.”
“Council will continue to work with EPA Victoria and other agencies to support the ongoing clean-up and monitoring of the site.”
