Brothers Michael and Raymond Nisevich were accused of dumping multiple loads of tree branches in state forest in Jarrahdale in August and September 2020. Raymond Nisevich was also accused of dumping household waste at the same spot.
The acts were caught on camera after Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (‘DWER’) Inspectors observed a pile of mixed waste in State Forest 22 on Jarrahdale Road, Jarrahdale on Wednesday 5 August 2020. They set up a hidden surveillance camera, which recorded eight acts of illegal dumping.
Three of the instances involved Michael Nisevich dumping branches and green waste in the adjoining state forest on 13 August 2020, 28 August 2020, and 8 September 2020. In each case a Ford tractor was used to transport the waste, which was discarded in a pile in the state forest.
Michael’s brother Raymond Nisevich was charged with five offences, four of which involved dumping tree branches and one in which Raymond Nisevich dumped household waste on the pile and set it on fire. The offences took place on 25, 26, 27 and 28 August 2020.
On Tuesday 10 May 2022, in the Armadale Magistrates Court, Magistrate Malley fined Michael Nisevich, 51 years old of Jarrahdale, a total of $25,000 for the three offences and ordered him to pay costs of $538.30. Raymond Nisevich, 46 years old and of the same address, was fined $50,000 with costs of $538.30 for his five offences.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 the maximum penalty for each individual offence is $62,500.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Senior Manager Waste Operations, Matt Warnock said it was hoped the substantial penalties imposed on the Nisevich brothers would deter others from committing similar offences.
“The efforts of our officers are seeing more people facing the courts for illegal dumping,” Mr Warnock said.
“People should be aware that the maximum penalties are quite high, and they could face a significant financial hit if they decide to do the wrong thing.”
Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping is asked to call the department’s Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782, email pollutionwatch@dwer.wa.gov.au or call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
