Goulburn Valley Water last week entered into an Enforceable Undertaking with EPA Victoria to improve its environmental performance after storing industrial waste at several sites without suitable licences.
The Corporation pledged to update its procedures, systems and tender documentation to prevent a similar incident from reoccurring.
Following a report from the community, EPA inspected the water company’s operations centre in Shepparton in June 2012 and found industrial waste stored on-site.
Matt Vincent, EPA CEO, said Goulburn Valley Water had accepted responsibility for the waste stored across its sites and had cooperated with EPA throughout the inspection process.
“Working with the Corporation through this process has been a good example of how taking a collaborative approach can improve outcomes for the industry, the community and the environment,” Mr Vincent said.
“The Corporation has engaged independent contractors to assess, characterise and remove the industrial waste from the Shepparton site and comprehensively inspect and assess its network.
“It has committed to rehabilitating these sites by working with an auditor to develop site-specific strategies, and then implementing these programs,” he said.
Mr Vincent noted that, as part of the undertaking, Goulburn Valley Water also committed to boosting local habitat and promoting good practice in the water industry.
Goulburn Valley Water’s rehabilitation efforts have cost the corporation about $1 million to date.
It expects to spend up to another $3 million in rehabilitation, as well as $350,000 to improve its performance, deliver benefit to the environment and the community, and improve industry performance.
For further information: media@epa.vic.gov.au or 03 9695 2704.