Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined Springvale company Universal Marble Pty Ltd more than $7,500 for illegally depositing industrial waste into a Booloora Road stormwater system.
EPA Acting Southern Metro Manager Marleen Mathias said an EPA investigation had traced white sediment-laden wastewater from the stormwater system back to the company’s premises.
“Following a pollution report to EPA from a member of the community our officers conducted sampling within the stormwater drain and at the company’s site to confirm Universal Marble was responsible for the illegal discharge of industrial waste,” Ms Mathias said.
Ms Mathias said the waste had come from stonecutting works at the company’s Springvale site.
“The company said the discharge occurred due to a hole in a wastewater tank that resulted in the waste flowing down the stormwater drain. Thankfully a member of the public called EPA to report the pollution before it was able to reach Mordialloc Creek and further contaminate the local environment,” Ms Mathias said.
Ms Mathias said the fine should serve as a reminder to all businesses that it is their responsibility to look at all potential ways that wastewater could leave their sites and to ensure that it is disposed of appropriately.
“Anyone who allows wastewater to leave their premises can face a fine of over $7,500 or up to $758,350 if prosecuted before the courts,” Ms Mathias said.
Ms Mathias said EPA had also issued the company with a notice that required it to install controls to prevent further industrial waste discharging into the stormwater system.
“The company has since fixed the issue by installing a pipe into the hole in the tank so that any leaks will now flow back into the site’s overflow system and not the stormwater system,” Ms Mathias said.
“EPA will continue to monitor the site to ensure the company remains compliant with its statutory obligations and that no further environmental impacts occur as a result of its stonecutting activities.”
EPA encourages members of the public to continue reporting suspected pollution to EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au