Six massive illegal mining tire dumps have been found in New South Wales, according to the local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The authorities started to investigate the case of a violator leaving scrap tires without the license in 2020. It is not the first practice of illegal dumping in the state. Similar cases took place several times within the last 7 years.

According to EPA, the six stockpiles with scrap tires didn’t pose any environmental threat. Nevertheless, the local residents expressed their anxiety and reacted to the situation saying that the tire waste could potentially pollute waters in the vicinity.

Additionally, EPA has been met with a lot of criticism for handling of the situation with the 6 massive tire dumps. Australian Tire Recyclers Association criticized the authoritative body for not issuing a hard penalty to the violator.