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Alleged waste transporter Dib Hanna faced the NSW Land and Environment Court on September 7, 2017 after being arrested and extradited from Victoria to face alleged illegal dumping offences brought by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). It is alleged that Hanna was dumping asbestos.
Victoria Police arrested Hanna earlier in this week, and with the assistance of NSW Police, he was extradited back to NSW, after an extradition application was granted by a Victorian Magistrate’s Court. It is the first time a person has been extradited in relation to alleged environmental offences.
In late 2016, the EPA commenced prosecution action in the Land and Environment Court against Hanna for eight repeat waste offences. Each charge carrying a maximum penalty of $250,000 and/or two years’ imprisonment. Hanna failed to attend court on several occasions and a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
The prosecutions relate to the alleged illegal dumping of waste, including asbestos waste, on private properties in western Sydney in 2015 and 2016.
EPA acting chair and chief executive Officer Mark Gifford said illegal dumping was an environmental crime.
“I would like to thank the NSW and Victorian Police for their cooperation and assistance in bringing Hanna before the Court so he can face these serious charges.” Gifford said.
“The NSW EPA takes illegal dumping very seriously. This crime creates an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment.”
Under current NSW law an individual can be fined up to $1,000,000 and/or receive a seven-year prison sentence for wilful dumping offences, and $500,000 or a four-year prison sentence for negligent offences.
A corporation can face up to $5,000,000 for wilful offences and $2,000,000 for negligent offences. There are also on the spot fines that apply for illegal dumping: up to $7,500 for an individual and up to $15,000 for a company.
Image sourced from Flickr cc: Michael Coghlan