Company Director Penalised $80,000

Company Director Penalised $80,000 for Pollution Risk Event

A former director of a Brooklyn abattoir and meat processing company has been penalised $80,000 for allowing a breach of the Environment Protection Act to occur during his watch, in November 2006.

Late last week, Pierre Gilbert Cabral pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court to a charge of leaving waste water containing animal effluent where it could have drained into, and polluted, Stony Creek. He was fined $20,000 and ordered to pay EPA Victoria's costs of $60,000. No conviction was recorded.

EPA had charged Mr Cabral in his capacity as a director.

The company, which now has new owners, slaughters and processes beef and sheep for the Australian retail and overseas markets. Stormwater drains from the premises lead to the Francis Street main drain and then into Stony Creek.

Previously, the company, Tasman Group Services Pty Ltd, pleaded guilty to the same charge as Mr Cabral, plus two other charges, and was ordered to pay for environmental projects worth a total of $200,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of $30,000 to EPA.

EPA director of environmental services Bruce Dawson said, "This prosecution of Mr Cabral acts as a warning to company directors and managers."

"EPA can and will prosecute such individuals if its investigations find that an offence has occurred, and this case shows that they may face a substantial financial cost as a result."

Media inquiries:
Nicky Webster 9695 2703 or 0401 140 862

SOURCE: EPA Victoria