The fines, also levelled at an employee of the transport company, were imposed for not carrying appropriate dangerous goods transport documentation, discovered in a compliance operation in early 2016.

The news came to light in a media statement by the EPA Monday afternoon.

The EPA said the Bobbins truck was transporting 13 1000-litre containers that had previously contained hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, but although empty at the time, had not been cleaned out correctly.

As such, they still are classified as dangerous goods under the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008.

The EPA fined Bega Cheese $1300 for consigning dangerous goods for transport without compliant transport documentation.

Bobbins Transport was fined $2000 for failing to ensure compliant transport documentation was carried and the driver of the vehicle was fined $260 for failure to carry transport documentation.

EPA regional director for south and west Gary Whytcross said compliance with the regulations reduced the risks transport of dangerous goods could pose to the community and environment.

“Bega Cheese, the transport company and driver all had a responsibility to ensure the appropriate dangerous goods transport documentation was carried with the vehicle,” Mr Whytcross said.

“Having this information on what dangerous goods are being transported to hand is particularly important if there were to be an accident; it reduces the risk to police and the emergency services personnel responding to the accident, providing crucial information to inform their response and allow them to act quickly.”

The dangerous goods offences were detected during a joint EPA, NSW Police and Roads and Maritime Services compliance operation at Bega in early 2016.