OneSteel Recycling has been ordered to contribute $35,000 to a Wyndham council parkland project following legal action by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA).
The Laverton North scrap metal recycling firm, which was trading as Infrabuild Recycling at the time, was the site of an industrial fire in January 2021 at its Fitzgerald Road facility.
The fire broke out in stockpiles of scrap metals, plastics, rubber, wood and cardboard, which the EPA said was most likely caused by undetected battery waste igniting. The exact cause remains undetermined.
In Sunshine Magistrates Court on November 21 EPA lawyers argued that while OneSteel was upgrading its systems, it should have had better fire management capability and should have had better stockpile management processes both before and after the fire
OneSteel pleaded guilty and the magistrate noted that while OneSteel had been cooperative, and had since improved its systems, it had been operating while not in compliance with the Environment Protection Act 1970.
According to the EPA, it sought an outcome that would benefit the community instead of a fine, recommending the ‘Greening the Pipeline’ project. The project involves transforming the heritage listed MOS pipeline reserve, along the Federation Trail bike path, into parkland and community space.
EPA senior solicitor Muhammad Ersoy said “EPA is increasingly looking to seek restorative justice outcomes that benefit the local community where organisations and individuals have failed to protect the environment and human health.”
“A restorative approach promotes corporate and social responsibility and recognises that the community has a voice within the courts that will be heard.
“EPA Victoria has conducted inspections at hundreds of Victorian recycling facilities to educate and improve fire and risk management practices and this outcome will further serve to build awareness within the sector.”
OneSteel was also ordered to pay EPA’s $15,000 legal costs.
Greening the Pipeline: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/project/greening-pipeline
