Global Corp Enterprises Pty Ltd (Global Corp) was charged under Section 56 (1) (a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, with the case heard in the Armadale Magistrates Court on 12 January 2021.
A Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) investigation found Global Corp were operating a waste storage and recycling business without the necessary approvals on a leased site in the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.
The site was being used to store and sort large quantities of construction and demolition waste, including concrete, timber, metals, plastics, and sand. Samples were taken and the presence of asbestos was confirmed.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Executive Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Stuart Cowie, said the fine should send a strong message that breaches of Western Australia’s environmental laws are taken seriously and will be acted on.
“The storage and processing of Construction and Demolition waste can be hazardous, particularly if it includes asbestos, and businesses must comply with environmental laws to protect the environment and human health.” Mr Cowie said.
“Companies and other commercial enterprises that break the law will be held to account.”
Illegal storage and processing of waste can be reported to DWER’s 24-hour Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782 or by email to pollutionwatch@dwer.wa.gov.au.
Maximum penalties for illegal storage and processing of waste are $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations.
