Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has issued Mill Park company Langtech International Pty Ltd with a fine of more than $7,500 for illegally discharging industrial waste into a local waterway.
EPA Metro Manager Daniel Hunt said the EPA had launched an investigation following a report from a member of the community regarding a yellowish water colour in the Heaths Court Drain, a local creek.
“EPA officers investigating the site were able to confirm a discolouration in the creek that had a strong citrus odour and found that the creek contained orange peel and pulp that was being discharged through a stormwater drain,” Mr Hunt said.
Mr Hunt said the source of the pollution was traced back to Langtech International’s premises where further investigation revealed orange peel and pulp surrounding a drain grate in a cooling tower plant.
“Once onsite a waste pit, very close to a stormwater drain, was found that was full to the point of overflowing with an opaque orange liquid,” Mr Hunt said.
Mr Hunt said the discharge was not acceptable and could easily have been avoided had proper overflow procedures been in place at the site.
“The discharge from the company had significant amenity impacts on the local community and certainly had the potential to harm any aquatic life it encountered,” Mr Hunt said.
“Langtech International has been issued with a further notice that requires it provide EPA with an environmental management plan for the management and disposal of its waste by January 2017.”
Mr Hunt said the company had admitted that there was a pump failure at its premises that was the cause of the illegal discharge.
“Following the spill, the company used contractors to educt about 75,000 litres of juice waste and creek water. The company has also installed a new waste transfer pit, increased bunding around it and additional alarmed pumps have been installed to manage waste streams,” Mr Hunt said.
Members of the public should continue to report suspected pollution to EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au