A NSW construction company has been hit with a $200,000 fine after being found guilty of providing false information to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) during an illegal dumping investigation.
He Co Pty Ltd, formerly known as Hemisphere Construction Pty Ltd, and its director, George Khouzame, were found to have misled the EPA in relation to asbestos-contaminated waste illegally dumped at a property in Canyonleigh in the NSW Southern Highlands.
EPA officers uncovered that asbestos-contaminated waste had been illegally transported and dumped at the rural property without the required approvals.
Despite Mr Khouzame repeatedly denying his company’s involvement, reports from neighbours and contractors provided evidence contradicted his claims, revealing the company’s role in the dumping.
The Parramatta Local Court ordered both the company and Khouzame to pay $100,000 each, plus an additional $25,000 in costs to the EPA.
He Co Pty Ltd must also comply with the original statutory notice that prompted the investigation.
This is not the first time Hemisphere Construction Pty Ltd has faced scrutiny. In 2023, NSW Fair Trading cancelled the company’s building licence after a newly constructed house partially collapsed just two months after completion.
The company later entered voluntary administration in July 2023.
A costly cover-up
The case serves as a strong reminder that dodging environmental regulations can lead to serious financial penalties and reputational damage.
With regulatory bodies ramping up enforcement, construction companies face increasing pressure to operate transparently and within the law.
EPA Director of Operations Adam Gilligan said the fine reflects the seriousness of the offence and the impact false information can have on investigations.
“This is one of the largest fines ever secured for providing false or misleading information to the EPA and reflects the seriousness of Mr Khouzame’s actions, which could have hindered a major investigation into serious environmental offences,” Gilligan said.
“An EPA request for information is a statutory notice, enforceable under the Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act,” Gilligan explained.
“Anyone receiving such a request must provide an honest and factual response, and if they don’t, we have the powers to prosecute.”
Environmental regulations crackdown
This case comes as the EPA tightens the screws on environmental compliance across the construction sector.
With increased scrutiny on how companies handle waste and emissions, developers and contractors will need to follow stricter protocols or face financial and reputational fallout.
Recent changes to EPA guidelines mean large-scale developments now face tougher emissions reporting requirements, reinforcing accountability within the industry.
The NSW Guide for Large Emitters, introduced last year, now sets clearer expectations for environmental impact assessments on major infrastructure projects, including construction material manufacturing.
The new regulations require companies to include emissions projections, detailed reduction plans, and compliance monitoring in their assessments.
EPA acting Executive Director of Strategy and Policy Asela Atapattu said the guidelines are part of a broader push towards sustainability in construction.
“We’ve responded to calls for clearer guidance to inform Environmental Impact Assessments.
By incorporating this feedback, we’ve created practical guidance to help proponents meet their responsibilities and support NSW’s 2050 net-zero and interim goals,” Atapattu said.
Key EPA regulations for 2025
Companies should be aware of the following updated and expected regulations for 2025:
- Stricter waste disposal tracking – Hazardous materials, including asbestos, to have documented disposal trails to prevent illegal dumping.
- Enhanced emissions reporting – Large-scale developments to provide detailed breakdowns of greenhouse gas output and reduction strategies.
- Higher penalties for environmental breaches – Increased fines for improper waste disposal, false reporting, and failure to meet environmental assessment standards.
- Mandatory sustainability measures – New projects incorporating low-emission building materials and cleaner energy sources.
- Real-time compliance monitoring – Electronic tracking systems to ensure projects adhere to EPA guidelines throughout construction.
