Operation Cover Up
The EPA has been targeting irresponsible truck drivers who fail to properly cover waste material while being transported, that could pose a health and safety risk to the community.
Since the recommencement of Operation Cover-Up recently, the EPA identified many trucks in the Adelaide CBD and on metropolitan roads with uncovered loads of waste.
EPA Manager Investigations and Tactical Support, Stephen Barry said most of these vehicles had come from demolition sites and were travelling to waste depots.
“The EPA is investigating these incidents and will be issuing expiation notices for ignoring their obligations under the Environment Protection Act,” Mr Barry said.
“Failing to cover a waste load is an infringement under this legislation that carries a $160 fine,” he said.
Mr Barry said that EPA investigators have also visited demolition sites in the city to remind operators of their responsibility to ensure that trucks leaving their premises are appropriately covered.
“All loads of waste leaving a demolition site must always be covered to reduce the escape of waste and dust from vehicles especially when they are being driven through the city centre or passing by schools, shops and pedestrians,” he said.
“It’s been disappointing that in just one week our investigators discovered more than 40 trucks travelling through the city and metro areas of Adelaide with uncovered loads of waste.
“This type of waste can create a hazard for other road users and ultimately ends up in our stormwater and local waterways.”
The EPA has undertaken enforcement action to underline the importance of safely transport waste throughout South Australia and will continue to run its Operation Cover-Up taskforce on random days to ensure compliance for the protection of public health and the environment.
