The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued Stoneco Pty Limited with three $15,000 fines for alleged non-compliances with their Environment Protection Licence following a routine and unannounced inspection of the Braeside Quarry near Scone in February this year.

EPA officers identified a range of issues resulting from poor management practices including a lack of dust emission controls, inappropriate storage of waste and poor storage and handling of diesel, oil and waste oils.

EPA director Hunter Karen Marler said Stoneco Pty Limited was responsible for complying with the conditions of their licence.

“Compliance with the conditions of their licence is not optional,” she said.

“There was potential for harm to human health and the environment, including for workers onsite, particularly from the uncontrolled dust emissions.

“Operating in a relatively remote location does not mean that the rules do not apply. 

“Those rules are in place to ensure relevant risks are controlled and that activities are carried out in an appropriate manner.”

Stoneco Pty Limited will be required to remove and lawfully dispose of relevant wastes stored onsite as well as carrying out other necessary rectification works.

Penalty notices are one of a number of tools the EPA can use to achieve environmental compliance, including formal warnings, official cautions, licence conditions, notices and directions and prosecutions. 

For more information about the EPA’s regulatory tools, see the EPA Compliance Policy at www.epa.nsw.gov.au/legislation/prosguid.htm