Are Horsham’s industrial zones protecting the environment as much as they should? EPA Victoria is conducting snap inspections this week to find out.
Officers from EPA North West Region will be speaking to businesses in Horsham’s industrial zones to see how they are ensuring waste liquids do not leave their premises and enter stormwater drains.
They will also focus on how waste produced by companies is managed, along with providing businesses with a clear understanding of their general environmental duties (GED) that came into effect in July 2021.
“All storm water drains lead to waterways. So, if a business is allowing contaminated liquids to flow to stormwater drains, or don’t have reasonable controls in place to stop that, they could face heavy penalties,” EPA North West Victoria Regional Manager, Dr Scott Pigdon said.
“Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 everyone is responsible to take all reasonable measures to prevent pollution as part of their GED. Every business has to be able to show they can manage and control the risks of pollution they create. It could be anything from truck wash bays collecting waste water to ensuring proper management and storage of chemical containers. But, if you can’t show us how you’re doing it, we will take action.”
EPA is targeting industry sectors that include concrete batching plants, agricultural chemical distributors, motor vehicle and machinery servicing/repairs, chemical handling, intensive animal industries and a variety of other general industrial activities.
“We are particularly concerned that chemicals and wastes are stored and managed properly. We have seen too often the harm that can be done to the environment through the uncontrolled escape of chemicals,” Dr Pigdon said.
EPA has information on line at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/find-a-topic/store-manage-liquids
