Environment Protection Authority Victoria fined the council for burning industrial and domestic waste at the unpermitted site in August last year.

The fine this week follows an investigation into the burn-off after photos of the fire were obtained by The Courier.

The EPA confirmed waste materials including treated pine, mattresses and couches were among some of the items found near Ballarat Airport on August 26.

The EPA said the council was aware the items had been dumped on top of a pile of green waste which was approved for burn-off.

Failure to remove the materials prior to burning resulted in a $7381 fine being issued.

EPA South West manager Jason Young said the incident was serious and the council had an obligation to ensure such conduct didn’t occur.

“This incident could have easily been avoided if council applied their legislative requirements,” he said.

“These items should have been removed and disposed of to landfill.

“The smoke that comes from burning household and domestic waste is highly toxic and poses a major risk to the health of people and the environment.”

City of Ballarat city infrastructure general manager Eric Braslis said as a result of the investigation, burning of materials at the airport would no longer occur.

“In past years, a stockpile of green waste has been burned at a site at Ballarat Airport in August,” he said.

“The CFA has always been advised of the planned burn. Prior to the 2014 burn, a quantity of additional material was added to the heap by unknown people.

“The City of Ballarat acknowledges the materials should have been removed and disposed of prior to the burn. 

“Following the EPA investigation, the City of Ballarat has determined that there will no longer be stockpiling and burning of materials at the airport or any other council-owned or -managed properties in the future, with all materials to instead be recycled.” 

Mr Young said the incident should serve as notice to all operators that they needed to ensure appropriate procedures were not only put in place, but adhered to.

Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping or pollution can report it to EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).

alicia.thomas@fairfaxmedia.com.au