Ipswich City Council

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Smoke

Dust, smoke, ash, odour, light and fumes

Council and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) control the release of fumes, dust and other airborne pollutants from properties to ensure the health of the environment and surrounding public is maintained. Officers from both agencies are available to provide advice regarding emission releases from yours or neighbouring properties. Emissions from vehicles can be reported to the EPA.

Smoke nuisances from chimneys and backyard burning, are controlled by Council through the Environmental Protection Regulation and Local Law 18 (Nuisances). Abatement notices under the Environmental Protection Regulation can be issued for nuisance caused by dust, smoke, ash, odour, light and fumes.

The local government or EPA officer investigating the situation will decide whether or not to issue a notice based on the following criteria:

time of release
how long it lasts
how often it happens
the type of environment - for example, is the release of dust, odour, light or fumes taking place in a heavily populated residential area?
the impact on the environment
the impacts on residents and public health in general.

If people do not comply with abatement notices, they can be fined $375.00 on-the-spot for individuals or $600.00 on-the-spot for companies or corporations. The maximum penalty for offences under this section is $3750.00

Last Updated 24 Jun 2008 |

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