The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has completed Operation Tensile, a two-day compliance operation targeting 32 metal recyclers in South-East Queensland.
As a result, enforcement action has been taken at more than 20 unlicensed sites.
The multi-Agency Operation Tensile involved compliance officers from the DES, the Office of Fair Trading and the Queensland Police Service.
Executive Director Compliance at the DES, Brad Wirth said the Department made no apology for its compliance work, which created an even playing field in the metal recycling industry and improved environmental outcomes through the responsible storage and disposal of scrap metal.
“Unlicensed scrap metal operations have the potential to undermine and undercut licenced operators who have obtained the correct authorities to operate,” Mr Wirth said.
“A business that has more than six tonnes of scrap metal for sorting and storage at any one time is required to have an Environmental Authority issued by the DES.”
He said an Environmental Authority provided businesses with conditions they must comply with to manage environmental risks associated with their operations.
“Unlicensed scrap metal operators can potentially cause significant environmental harm and community nuisance through the release of contaminated water, increased fire risk and dust and noise nuisance impacts,” Mr Wirth said.
“Operation Tensile was a multi-phase, intelligence-led operation aimed at identifying and disrupting any unlawful behaviour that might pose a risk to the environment or the community.”
He said compliance action included 32 inspections; 21 Direction Notices; 12 Penalty Infringement Notices issued, ranging from $2,875 for individuals to $14,275 for companies, with several sites still under investigation.
The OFT conducted 19 inspections, with nine businesses referred for further investigation. It issued three compliance warnings.
Further information on second-hand dealing regulations can be accessed at this PS News link.
