EPA Victoria has reminded industry not to flush contaminants down stormwater
drains during their end of year clean-up this Christmas.
EPA Director Chris Webb said EPA could trace discharges to their source and
there was a hefty fine of $7042 for pollution of waterways, due to the
environmental consequences.
“We’re aware that as industry winds down at the end of the year there’s often
a bit of a wash down or clean up of the site which can result in discharge of
waste to stormwater,” Mr Webb said.
“Don’t do it, the only thing that should go down a stormwater drain, is
rainwater.”
Mr Webb said unfortunately an ‘out of sight-out, out of mind’ mentality
prevailed when it came to stormwater protection.
“Stormwater drains run into creeks, rivers and the bay, linking them to a
number of delicate ecosystems,” he said.
“With the summer break upon us, people are more inclined to get busy cleaning
so it’s important to remember that oils, silts, chemicals and clippings don’t
go down the drain.
“EPA recommends businesses do their homework first and research options with
their local council or through the EPA website on how to dispose of wastes
properly.
“There are options such as taking liquid waste to a treatment facilities and
solids such as paint, silt and clippings to landfill.”
For more information visit www.epa.vic.gov.au, and report pollution to EPA on
1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).