Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) continues its statewide pollution prevention inspections of industrial precincts, with businesses in Melbourne’s north about to be visited by EPA officers.
The inspections work to prevent the harmful impacts of pollution and waste on local waterways.
“Stormwater drains to local waterways such as creeks and rivers via our stormwater system, so it’s important businesses know their responsibilities under Victoria’s environment protection laws to prevent pollution,” said EPA CEO Lee Miezis.
“Following recent storm and flood events statewide, it’s more important than ever that businesses are aware of how their actions can directly impact the environment and public health and why preventing this is so key.
“Ensuring the health of the waterways that stormwater drains feed into is important for Traditional Owners and their cultural responsibility to care for Country and also as amenity for our communities. Our waterways must be protected by everyone, including industry,” said Mr Miezis.
Many businesses throughout the state have already been inspected, with EPA officers commencing inspections in Thomastown in mid-November, followed by inspections around Kororoit Creek in Melbourne’s west and in Warrnambool.
All industry sectors will be targeted, according to EPA CEO Lee Miezis.
“That includes concrete batching plants, agricultural chemical distributors, motor vehicle and machinery servicing/repairs, chemical handling and a variety of other general industrial activities,” said Mr Miezis.
“Chemical storage is particular will be scrutinised and sites must have appropriate controls in place. We have seen too often the harm that can be done to the environment through the uncontrolled escape of chemicals into our stormwater drains.”
EPA has information online at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/find-a-topic/store-manage-liquids ‘
“Under the General Environmental Duty requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 2017 it’s everyone’s job to act to protect the environment and EPA is working to generate a greater understanding of that responsibility,” said Mr Miezis.
“EPA wants to help businesses to understand that their onsite controls must be able to prevent spills and pollution entering the environment. Where EPA identifies poor controls to prevent pollution, they can expect us to use our powers to enforce compliance.”
An information video explaining the General Environmental Duty and what businesses are expected to do to be compliant with it is available at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/get-involved/past-events/the-role-of-industry-and-business-in-protecting-the-environment
