The Department of Environment and Science (DES) officers have inspected a site allegedly operating unlawful waste activities in Willawong.
The DES inspection, in cooperation with the Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, was part of field-based compliance activities aimed at ensuring the State’s environment was protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, DES said it was estimated there were between 20,000-to-30,000 used tyres on the premises, which was also being used for a number of other alleged unlawful activities, including storage of automotive and other types of waste.
“Tyre stockpiles are a serious fire hazard,” DES said.
“Unlawful used tyre stockpiles and unlawful storage of waste concern the community, and concern DES,” it said.
“Unlawful waste activities can contaminate land and nearby waterways and damage Queensland’s beautiful environment.”
The Department said that even in times of COVID-19, DES officers continued to respond to matters like this across Queensland to ensure waste management activities met community expectations.
“As the environmental regulator, DES takes its compliance responsibilities seriously,” it said.
“Where compliance issues are identified, DES will take strong enforcement action.”
To report pollution incidents phone the 24/7 Pollution Hotline — 1300 130 372 (option 2).
The Department said pollution incidents could be reported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
