Two Bendigo companies have been fined $6000 each after inspectors found they were transporting contaminated soil to building sites.

The Environmental Protection Agency said soil was being taken from an old service station in Strathfieldsaye to two regional properties at Junortoun and Emu Creek in March.

EPA officers attended the old service station site and saw a truck drive from the site and turn down Emu Creek Road.

The officers followed the truck to a vacant property where the truck deposited the load of soil that smelt strongly of petrol alongside 16 other piles.

On further investigation they found it was Acetec Contractors Pty Ltd who was transporting the soil under the direction of building company Phlar Pty Ltd.

Phlar was required by EPA to remove the contaminated soil from the building site, resulting in 30 truckloads of soil being disposed of at Bacchus Marsh

landfill.

Acetec has since sought permission to transport prescribed industrial waste.

The companies have 28 days to pay their fines, seek an internal review or have the matter dealt with in court.