With many industries across Victoria shutting down for the Christmas holiday season, Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is warning all businesses to secure possible pollution threats while they’re away.
“EPA will be working through the Christmas holiday period and will remain alert for reports of pollution,” said EPA Executive Director, Regional Services, Damian Wells.
“Many businesses however, close down and in preparation they may well be cleaning vehicles, washing equipment, cleaning out warehouses or similar facilities ready for the break.
“When doing so, they must remember to manage the run-off water so that pollutants are not running off into stormwater drains. Chemicals should be stored in secure containers and in bunded areas that will be resistant to the likely extremes in temperatures and weather events.
“The Victorian community is highly vigilant over pollution and in 2016-17 reported 10,310 pollution events to the EPA pollution hotline and 5,327 in the last six months.”
Pollution Reports to EPA in 2016-2017
|
Pollution Event
|
2016-2017
|
Last 6 months
|
|
Odour
|
4,154
|
1,735
|
|
Noise
|
1,550
|
1,106
|
|
Waste
|
1,412
|
837
|
|
Water
|
1,769
|
916
|
|
Dust
|
883
|
370
|
|
Smoke
|
542
|
363
|
|
TOTAL
|
10,310
|
5,327
|