Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined a Bayswater company over $7,500 for illegally discharging wastewater into a local stormwater drain.
EPA Southern Metro Manager Leigh Bryant said Speedpanel had been fined as its discharge had been a clear breach of the Environment Protection Act 1970 and had subsequently impacted on local waterways.
“EPA officers investigated the Speedpanel premises last December following a report from a member of the community and observed that a foaming agent being used by the company was being discharged down a stormwater drain,” Mr Bryant said.
“EPA traced the stormwater drain to Old Joes Creek, Marie Wallace Reserve in Bayswater and found an area of foaming and cement-type sediment that matched samples taken from the Speedpanel site.”
Mr Bryant said the company had admitted the need for improvements in its operational procedures, and had modified equipment on the site to prevent further discharges from occurring.
“EPA will continue to monitor the site to ensure the company remains compliant with its statutory obligations and that no further environmental impacts occur,” Mr Bryant said.
EPA urges members of the public to continue reporting suspected pollution to the EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au