The tyres – which would have needed to be transported in a truck or trailer – were ditched near the water at Granya last weekend. 

Goulburn Murray Water is in the process of removing the tyres, with the community to pick up the bill. 

Viv Smith, who picks up rubbish with her friend Annette Goldsworthy at Lake Hume six days a week, said the news was "very disappointing". 

“It's disappointing to think someone has done that at Granya,” she said. 

“I'm not sure about the environmental impact of it, I just like the place to look nice and neat. 

“We live in a very beautiful part of the country and we just want to keep it that way.”

On a positive note, Ms Smith said there had been little rubbish left at Lake Hume on Australia Day despite huge crowds. 

“It's good to see others are picking up their rubbish as well,” she said. 

EPA North East manager Emma Knights said the authority was keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the tyres being unloaded. 

“Tyre stockpiles are a potential hazard to the Victorian community, mainly due to the toxic emissions if they catch on fire,” she said.

“The environmental impacts and costs of illegal dumping can be significant.

“This dumping shows a complete disregard by the offenders for the local community.”

Ms Knights said people caught dumping industrial waste, including tyres, could be fined up to $777,300 in court. 

“Businesses and individuals wanting to dispose of unwanted or used tyres must ensure they’re collected or disposed of by legitimate operators,” she said.  

“Failure to do so can result in a fine if your tyres are found illegally dumped.   

“EPA encourages anyone wishing to dispose of used or unwanted tyres to contact their local council or their regional waste management group for options for legal disposal or appropriate companies able to collect them.

“Large-scale dumping of industrial waste threatens our environment and poses a risk to human health and local amenities.”

Anyone with information should call the EPA pollution hotline on 1300 372 842.