The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued a warning about scammers who are tricking NSW homeowners into buying contaminated soil for land fill.
According to EPA and local councils, residents in South West Sydney have reported cases of having dodgy soil offloaded onto their property, posing environmental and health risks.
Cate Woods, Manager of Regional Waste Compliance said accepting cheap soil offers aren’t worth it.
“Our investigations have shown that dirty fill can contain heavy metals, construction waste and even asbestos. It can be detrimental not just for the environment but for your health. Breathing in or touching toxic materials can be dangerous, so you need to make sure what you are accepting is clean fill.
“The problem with dirty fill is that often you can’t see the substances that could be dangerous to your health,” Ms Wood said.
However, this isn’t the only worry for homeowners. Unintentionally polluting the environment with contaminated soil can come at a big cost.
“By accepting contaminated waste onto your property, you are inadvertently breaking the law and can be left holding the bill for any clean-up costs, as well as dealing with any environmental pollution,” Ms Wood said.
The EPA said it’s common for dodgy operators to make false claims of fill being ‘clean’ or ‘certified’ and advertise through classified ads websites, roadside signage, letterbox drops and door knocking.
“Often these people will promise their fill is ‘guaranteed clean’ or ‘certified’ and will even offer to deliver and level the soil for free. These companies and individuals are [often] linked to other criminal behaviour. These are not people you want on your property.
“The biggest financial investment we make in our life is our homes. Don’t put that investment at risk by accepting potentially dirty fill,” Ms Wood said.
If homeowners are looking to fill-in an old swimming pool, raise or level an area of land, or do any other bulk earthworks, adequate research and council approvals are crucial.
If someone has come into contact with toxic substances, they should seek medical advice. For more information on landfill requirements visit the EPA website.