EPA Victoria is continuing its work to improve Victoria’s water quality with a round of targeted inspections of businesses in the Airport West industrial area.
The inspections will run through June 2014 and will focus on compliance regarding bunding, chemical storage, waste disposal and stormwater management.
EPA Metro Manager Richard Marks said the inspections were part of ongoing efforts to improve water quality in Steele’s Creek.
“Steele’s Creek is an urban waterway, and as such is impacted by litter, pollution, and storm water runoff from urban development and industry,” Mr Marks said.
“EPA will be conducting investigations of industrial sites to reduce storm water pollution and engaging with local businesses to help them address their impacts on waterways.”
EPA officers will provide guidance to business on waste water management practices and may request to review evidence of appropriate waste disposal, such as receipts.
EPA officers are trained in assessing industrial management risk and in enhancing industry understanding of their impact on environmental performance.
“We’ve taken a support to comply approach by giving notice to industry of our upcoming inspections and providing information about the behaviours EPA wants to see change, encouraging them to self-evaluate their impact on the environment,” Mr Marks said.
Stormwater pollution in urban areas is one of EPA’s focus areas for 2013-14.
Analysis of samples by Melbourne Water indicates there are high concentrations of heavy metals such as copper, chromium, lead, nickel and zinc present in Steele’s Creek.
“These metals are commonly found in car tyres, galvanised steel, wheel weights and brake linings and often make their way into waterways from stormwater run-off and industrial processes,” Mr Marks said.
“We’ve found that operators of these sites often don’t realise that drains lead directly to waterways. Many of the materials these industries use can be toxic to the environment so we’re focusing on helping business operators to understand and reduce their impacts on the environment.”