Pollution

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To report pollution call EPA's Environment Line on 131 555 or via the EPA's Report Pollution webpage.

Illegal Dumping 

Become an Environmental Crusader

Illegal dumping is the unlawful deposit of waste larger than litter on both public and private land and includes using waste as fill material without the appropriate approvals. Illegal dumping ranges from small bags of rubbish in urban areas to large scale dumping of waste material in isolated bushland.

Gwydir Shire Council is calling on the public to help stop the illegal dumping of rubbish on private and public land. Illegal dumping degrades the environment, risks public health and the community pays a high cost to clean it up.

Council has spent thousands of ratepayer dollars investigating and removing illegally dumped materials from the perimeter of landfills, road sides, river banks and open spaces and is keen to catch offenders and penalise them.

We are looking for more ‘environmental crusaders’ who are willing to come forward and report people who are dumping illegally.

Reporting illegal dumping can be done anonymously but it is important that as much information is relayed to Council so the matter can be investigated.

We need to know where and when the dumping took place, type of vehicle and registration and photographs are of great assistance.

Illegal dumping can have adverse effects on native flora and fauna, as well as encouraging vermin, introducing weed species, contaminating land and local waterways, and posing health risks and fire hazards to the community.

With the help of ‘environmental crusaders’, Gwydir Shire Council has issued penalty infringement notices to illegal dumpers under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, 1997.

Fines for individuals have ranged from $750 - $1500 and businesses that illegally dumped have been fined between $1500 - $5000.

Council has and will continue to issue clean-up notices, and on-the-spot fines and where necessary prosecute offenders in the Land and Environment Court.

Please be aware that known hotspots may be subject to surveillance.

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Report illegal dumping to:

  • Visit RIDonline with your smart phone, tablet or computer and upload a picture of the dumped waste
  • Provide the address of the incident using the GPS on your device or select the location on the provided map
  • Describe the type of the dumped waste
  • Submit your report

RIDonline is a database used by Councils and government agencies across NSW to record and manage illegal dumping incidents. When you report via RIDonline, Council will be sent an email alert about the incident so they can respond.

To follow up on a report, please call Council (02) 6724 2000.

Alternatively you may contact Gwydir Shire Council directly to report illegal dumping incidents.

Report illegal dumping to:

Gwydir Shire Council - (02) 6724 2000.

RID online via the website or download the App.

Wood Smoke

Wood smoke pollution from wood heaters is a major cause of air pollution. In fact, during winter, wood heaters can produce up to seven times as much particle pollution as cars. Not only is a smoking fire wasting your money, but the air pollution it causes can also affect our health.

That is why we need to change the way we use our heaters.

Wood smoke contains a number of noxious gases (including carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and a range of organic compounds, some of which are toxic or carcinogenic) and fine particles, which go deep into the lungs.

What you can do about wood smoke pollution

Harmful smoke pollution can be drastically reduced if we improve the way we use our wood heaters.

EPA works in partnership with local Councils to educate residents on ways to reduce pollution from wood heaters. Here are some tips on how to make a difference:

• Check your heater complies with the standard  
• Check your wood is aged and dry 
• Check you're using your heater correctly 
• Don't let your fire smoulder overnight 
• Dos and Don'ts of wood heaters 
• Consider heating alternatives

 

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