Council
6 October, 2024
The high cost of dumping
Somerset Council is drawing attention to the costliness of illegal dumping, following a cleanup which would have cost Council an estimated $50,000.
In May 2024, Council was contacted about an illegal dumping of chemicals at Prenzlau, which involved a mix of chemicals, but higher levels of insecticide in the soil.
Following the incident, Council engaged an environmental consultant to conduct sampling and propose a scope of works for cleanup in consultation with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI).
Due to further analysis required than initially thought, the price of the investigation went up from a low value to a medium value contract (above $15,000).
This was necessary to better define the scope of works needed for the cleanup, with environmental contamination and impact on water quality being of high concern.
The total cost of the investigation, removal and disposal of the chemicals would have cost Council over $50,000.
DESI, however, will be reimbursing Council for the costs.
While the cleanup is now complete, Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt is emphasising how costly and dangerous illegal dumping is, with most instances of illegal dumping being funded by ratepayers.
“Without the assistance of DESI, our ratepayers would ultimately have been responsible for the costs incurred of this illegal dumping and that’s not ok,” he said.
“This behaviour is unacceptable, and the actions presented a public health risk as well as environmental concerns.
“It’s not acceptable for people to dump rubbish, let alone hazardous chemicals, on roadsides and public places, expecting others to clean up their mess.”
Cr Wendt said these actions will not be tolerated, as it means the poor behaviour of a few impacts the entire community.
"Council has a zero tolerance approach to people who illegally dump waste in Somerset and off enders will be hit hard with fines.”
Investigations into the Prenzlau incident are still ongoing, with Council stressing how successful investigations rely heavily on residents reporting information to Council.
“We ask that residents report incidents to Council as this information can also assist with helping to identify an off ender or off enders,” Cr Wendt said.
No other similar incidents have been reported to Council.
Fines for littering and illegal dumping for individuals can cost up to $3,226 and companies up to $12,097 along with prosecution for more serious offences.
To report illegal dumping visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au/services/waste-infolittering/5
