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Bedfordale man fined for illegal dumping of biodiesel waste in drinking water area

Jessica NicoComment News

A BEDFORDALE man’s reasoning that biodiesel waste was “good for the trees” was not enough to avoid a spent conviction and $1500 fine in the Armadale Magistrates Court.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) pursued the prosecution after the man was seen pouring liquid waste into the bushland at the Churchman Brook Catchment Area – a Priority One public drinking water source area.

Witnesses had reported seeing the offender parked on the side of Albany Highway in Bedfordale on November 30, 2015, a hose leading from the 1000 litre bulk container on his trailer into the bush.

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A photo showing the illegal dumping of biodiesel waste.
Camera IconA photo showing the illegal dumping of biodiesel waste. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

DWER testing at the site found evidence of oil and grease.

The offender was ordered to pay $3174.60 to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, who paid for the affected soil to be removed, and prosecution costs of $2117.50.

DWER Waste Operations senior manager Matt Warnock said it should be a warning to others.

“It’s inexcusable that a person has decided to illegally dump waste on land that doesn’t belong to him, and worse still, on land that’s priority one water catchment,” he said.

“Illegal dumping can impact people’s health and the environment, and impose significant clean-up costs on taxpayers and others.”

Illegal dumping can be reported to the 24-hour Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782 or by email to pollutionwatch@der.wa.gov.au

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