THE City of Ballarat Council could face fines and other reprimands due to its poor management of the Smythesdale landfill.
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Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) told The Courier the council, which manages the site, had continued to breach its licence by failing to report monitoring levels and failing to report back on a pollution abatement notice.
The EPA said it was considering compliance and enforcement options, but was “committed to working with council to ensure it meets its statutory obligations to the environment and the community”.
It comes after The Courier revealed the dire state of the landfill on Monday, with a section of fence missing and rubbish strewn all over the community.
Golden Plains Shire councillor Bill McArthur said the City of Ballarat had failed the Smythesdale community while continuing to neglect the landfill site.
But Cr McArthur on Wednesday congratulated City of Ballarat mayor John Philips for his swift action after publication of the story.
Cr McArthur said he visited the site on Tuesday and saw a new temporary fence, while the rubbish strewn over paddocks had been cleaned up.
“To the mayor’s credit, he did give me an undertaking there would be immediate action ... and that has happened,” Cr McArthur said.
“It’s great to see such rapid action taken.”
City of Ballarat general manager of city infrastructure Eric Braslis said the council was committed to ensuring the landfill operated within its licence requirements.
“Council will promptly respond to any inquiries received from the EPA,” Mr Braslis said.
patrick.byrne@fairfaxmedia.com.au