Aerial photograph taken during the West Footscray fire in 2018. - Screencapture Via MFB Melbourne

Aerial photograph taken during the West Footscray fire in 2018.

Screencapture Via MFB Melbourne

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has filed a total of 34 criminal charges following a criminal investigation into a site in Tottenham that was the scene of a large industrial fire that burnt for several days creating smoke across the western suburbs in August 2018.

A total of 17 charges have been filed against Delacor Pty Ltd and a further 17 charges have been filed against that company’s director.The charges allege that the company permitted the dumping of industrial waste at the site, caused or permitted the pollution of a local waterway and caused an environmental hazard.

In addition, the company has been charged with multiple counts of aggravated pollution – the most serious charge under the Environment Protection Act 1970.EPA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Cathy Wilkinson, said that the charges were filed following a thorough investigation into the complex circumstances surrounding the fire.

“The charges that EPA has filed include the strongest charges EPA has at its disposal. We take this matter extremely seriously and will always look to hold those who pollute to account,” Dr Wilkinson said.As the matter is now before the court EPA will not be making any further comment.

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