Lloyd Stanley Kent, 41, dumped the load, which included treated pine, from the back of a utility on Old Yanchep Road, in State Forest 65 in Nowergup on 24 June 2021.
State Forest 65 is notorious for illegal dumping and littering, and officers from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation had set up covert surveillance cameras to catch offenders at that location.
Mr Kent later admitted to dumping the waste and said it was because he was preparing for a rent inspection.
At a hearing in the Joondalup Magistrates Court on 3 December 2021, Magistrate Matthew Walton imposed a penalty of $4,500 with costs of $788.30, noting general deterrence was a significant consideration.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Senior Manager Waste Operations, Matt Warnock said dumping material of any kind could damage to the environment.
“To prevent insect attack, treated timber can contain chemicals such as copper, chrome and arsenic, which can leech into the soil,” Mr Warnock said.
“Contact your local council or look them up online for guidance on how to dispose of waste lawfully.”
“Our hidden camera operations target dumpers. If you offend, you may face a large fine.”
Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping is asked to call the department’s Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782 or email pollutionwatch@dwer.wa.gov.au.
