Snap inspections in the North Geelong area have seen nine concrete batching businesses visited by EPA Victoria officers.
Concrete manufacturing, or batching, creates particular environmental risks if it isn’t properly managed.
EPA officers visited small to medium businesses in North Geelong, Moolap, Grovedale, Newtown and North Shore. They had a particular focus on how they managed chemical spills and waste and what protections there were to stop spills entering stormwater drains.
“Our inspections found there was room for improvement, so our officers provided a lot of compliance advice,” EPA South West Regional Manager Tanya McAteer said.
“Without proper risk management, concrete batching plants can significantly impact the local environment. Concrete production uses a range of chemicals and materials that if released into the local environment via waterways or dust – can have negative impacts on local wildlife and human health.
“Some businesses were in real need of updating their practices; haybales are not considered sufficient protection for stopping sediment enter stormwater drains anymore.”
Advice on how to become compliant with regulations was provided on 13 occasions and a notice to make improvements to sediment controls was issued to one business.
“We’ll continue with enforcement actions like this throughout the region and our message to businesses is clear – protecting the environment is everyone’s business and you should not be waiting for a visit from EPA to tell you what you need to do to meet your regulatory obligations.”.
