The EPA says it could take legal action as the Glenaroua site does not have the necessary permissions to accept waste.
Reports from concerned community members brought the property to the EPA’s attention.
EPA officers found “significant volumes of co-mingled waste” upon inspection, with the combustible material stockpiled under canopy cover in bushland with a bushfire overlay.
The site lacks access to fire water or controls.
EPA has identified companies allegedly using the site for dumping and has contacted them.
A formal investigation is under way, with both the site owner and those using the site for allegedly unlawful purposes facing potential prosecution and significant fines under the Environmental Act 2017.
Mitchell Shire Council has welcomed the enforcement action, saying it first raised the matter with EPA in April after receiving a number of complaints about waste being trucked to the site.
Council welcomes the action to prohibit further waste dumping and ensure the property owner undertakes risk reduction works on the land.
Clean-up notices have been issued to prevent further waste being dumped on the site and notices have been issued to the companies allegedly responsible.
Council says it has written to the Environment Minister as well as the chief executive of EPA to highlight the risks and seek stronger action.
Those who have observed illegal dumping or pollution can report it to council by visiting www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/reportit or contact EPA on 1300 372 842 or www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-littering-vehicle
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