Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) officers have issued three notices to a Dandenong company following an investigation that found poor practices onsite had the potential to cause pollution to local waterways.
EPA Southern Metro Manager Leigh Bryant said the investigation was triggered by reports from residents regarding pollution in Dandenong South’s Eumemmerring Creek.
“EPA officers twice visited Eumemmerring Creek in late April after residents reported a blue/green colour in the waterway, followed days later by a white, milky discharge,” Mr Bryant said.
“The blue/green pollution appeared consistent with wastewater from spray painting and had no odour, suggesting it was water-based. Unfortunately it was not possible to track this pollution back to its source.
“When EPA officers attended Eumemmerring Creek to investigate the white pollution, it had been already been flushed by clean water from a stormwater drain. EPA believes it was either paint or a cutting lubricant.
“While the pollution origins could not be found, EPA investigations into potential sources led to the issuing of three notices to a Dandenong business that requires it to clean up waste around the premises, install controls on particle generating activities and equipment as well as install controls to prevent liquid spills entering the stormwater system.”
Mr Bryant said part of EPA’s role was also to increase business awareness how to prevent pollution escaping from their sites and how to appropriately dispose of any waste generated.
“EPA has guidance publications available for companies that provide advice on their legal environmental obligations and these are available through EPA’s website,” Mr Bryant said.
EPA encourages members of the public to continue to report suspected pollution of the environment on 1300 372 842.