The incident occurred in January this year and EPA director Gary Whytcross said the alert came from Forestry Corporation staff.

“The illegally dumped waste, which was approximately a trailer load, contained a number of household items,” he said.

“Following investigations, EPA officers were able to identify the owner of the dumped material.”

EPA investigations also concluded the middle-aged male owner of the waste, while not responsible for dumping the items, was considered to be partially responsible and he was given a formal warning.

Mr Whytcross said offenders would be caught and fined.

“This behaviour not only spoils the natural landscape and can lead to serious environmental damage, it also presents a fire and safety risk to the community,” he said.

Penalties are judged based on the degree of environmental harm, whether or not there were any real or potential health impacts, whether the action was deliberate, compliance history, public interest and best environmental outcomes. 

The maximum penalty for an offence under section 143 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 is $250,000 for an individual.