Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined a Melbourne based food company more than $7700 for allowing waste water from truck washing to escape to storm water drains at its premises at 11 Richards Rd, Hoppers Crossing.
EPA Metro Manager Peter Kerr, said EPA Officers were conducting compliance inspections in the area when they visited Pitliangas Food Group Pty Ltd and found waste water from the washing of vehicles was entering stormwater drains.
Mr Kerr said the waste water contained bleach and other chemicals, and the EPA officers observed foam in the stormwater drains, which drain into nearby Skeleton Creek.
Under the Environment Protection Act (1970), businesses must not wash vehicles where waste water can access stormwater pits, gutters and drains. Instead, vehicles must be washed in purpose-built wash bays connected to sewers, or at a purpose-built car wash.
Mr Kerr said the bleach in particular was a threat to aquatic life in the nearby creek.
“This was the second time in one month that EPA detected water from truck washing going to the stormwater system from the premises, and the company had been given advice on how to comply with the law,” he said.
EPA has issued an infringement notice, fining the company $7773, and a pollution abatement notice, requiring it to modify its truck washing process to prevent any waste water or chemicals from entering the stormwater system.
Members of the public can report pollution of the environment to the 24-hour EPA pollution hotline, by calling 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC). There’s more information at www.epa.vic.gov.au/get-involved/report-pollution