EPA research shows residents living near the Brooklyn Industrial Precinct are starting to notice some positive changes to their environment however there’s still work to be done.
EPA Metro Manager Richard Marks said data obtained through EPAs social research program looked at the expectations and experiences of stakeholders and residents involved with, or living near the area.
“Brooklyn was identified as one of the priority locations where EPA is working to bring about environmental change,” Mr Marks said.
“Our social research program shows 40 per cent of Brooklyn residents living near a known pollution source had noticed an improvement in odour over the past 12 months.
“Dust however still remains an issue with most pollution reporters feeling the current action plan to address dust had not helped the local environment.”
Mr Marks said EPA has required a number of industries to implement measures to reduce the impact of dust and/or odour on surrounding residential areas.
“Many of our notices do require big investment in long-term measures that will be most effective but will take time,” Mr Marks said.
“EPA also calls on industry to take additional measures on dry and windy days to stop dust being raised from their sites and local councils and road authorities are also notified so that they can arrange for road cleaning.”
Other key findings for the Brooklyn industrial site include;
- At least half of all reporters and residents in Brooklyn felt that each of EPA activities they were aware of had helped improve the local environment
- Reporters mainly agreed that directing funds from prosecuted companies toward local environmental projects had helped improve the local environment
EPA’s state-wide social research program began in 2011 and helps track progress in implementing EPA’s five-year Strategic Plan 2011-2016. Feedback from pollution reporters and residents was collected via a representative random sample within the defined geographic area.