Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined a Laverton North company and one of its contractors for causing the deaths of hundreds of yabbies at Queens Park Lake in Moonee Ponds.
EPA Metropolitan Manager Danny Childs said Amalgamated Pest Control had been fined more than $7,500 and the contractor more than $1,800.
“These fines have been handed down for inappropriately using a pesticide to remove a wasp nest near the Queens Park swimming pool that caused the lake to become polluted, killing hundreds of yabbies,” Mr Childs said.
Mr Childs said that while it was not uncommon for a pesticide of this type to be used on wasp nests, in this case it was applied in excessive concentrations at a time when heavy rain was forecast.
“There are very clear warnings on these pesticide products that state they are not to be used in or after periods of rain to avoid contamination of waterways and aquatic organisms. Following application it has simply run into a stormwater system and then the lake,” Mr Childs said.
Mr Childs said EPA attended the lake after calls to its pollution hotline reported that there had been a mass exodus of yabbies from the water that were being eaten by birds.
“An EPA investigation was able to trace the pesticide from tissue in yabbies, to the lake, back up the stormwater system and directly to the wasp nest where the company had been working just 50 metres away,” Mr Childs said.
“No other impacts on birds or aquatic life were reported and local council advised members of the public handling yabbies to ensure their hands were washed.”
Mr Childs said the incident was timely reminder that people should read and comply with disposal instructions on chemicals they use to ensure they don’t end up in the stormwater system.
“Stormwater inevitably drains to the nearest creek, river, lake or bay, so we must all be mindful of what enters these drains,” Mr Childs said.
Mr Childs said all Victorians should follow a few simple tips when using pesticides:
- Only prepare as much as required and follow any instructions on the label.
- Use them in your garden wisely and look for low-toxin alternatives.
- Avoid using pesticides on concrete and paths where they could wash off into a drain.
- Don’t apply pesticides if rain is predicted over the following days.
Further tips on reducing stormwater pollution at home are available at www.epa.vic.gov.au.
EPA urges members of the public to report suspected pollution to EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au