Environment Protection Authority v Brazel [2002] NSWLEC 7

Reported Decision : 119 LGERA 72

Land and Environment Court of New South Wales

CITATION : Environment Protection Authority v Brazel [2002] NSWLEC 7 PROSECUTOR: Environment Protection Authority PARTIES : DEFENDANT: Donald William Brazel FILE NUMBER(S) : 50018 of 2001 CORAM: Talbot J KEY ISSUES: Prosecution :- proof of causal link between placing matter and pollution not essential - defence of honest and reasonable mistake - offence as particularised not proved - opportunity to consider reasons Evidence Act 1995 s 184 LEGISLATION CITED: Land and Environment Court Act 1979 s 43 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 s 120, s 120(1) Australian Iron & Steel Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1992) 29 NSWLR 497; Cooper v Coffs Harbour City Council (1997) 97 LGERA 125; Environment Protection Authority v Anning (1998) 100 LGERA 354; Environmental Protection Authority v Taylor Woodrow (Australia) Pty Ltd (1997) 101 LGERA 226; John L. Proprietary Limited v Attorney-General for the State of New South Wales (1987) 163 CLR 508; Mathews v Goulburn Wool Processors Pty Limited (Smart J, Supreme Court of NSW, 6 November 1986, unreported); CASES CITED: Mathews v Goulburn Wool Processors Pty Ltd (1987) 10 NSWLR 419; R v Cassell (Court of Criminal Appeal, NSW, 24 July 1996, unreported); R v Duff (1924) 41 WN (NSW) 23; R v Wampfler (1987) 11 NSWLR 541; Shoalhaven City Council v State Police Control Commission (1997) 52 A Crim R 291; Stanton v Abernathy and Another (1990) 19 NSWLR 656 ; State Rail Authority of NSW v Hunter Water Board (1992) 28 NSWLR 721 DATES OF HEARING: 29/11/2001; 30/11/2001; 13/12/2001 DATE OF JUDGMENT: 02/05/2002