Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined Fulton Hogan Industries Pty Ltd almost $8,000 for an illegal discharge of oil from its Springvale asphalt processing plant that impacted on a local waterway.
EPA Southern Metro Manager Marleen Mathias said an oil heater at the site had boiled over causing a spill into a stormwater system that lead to nearby Mile Creek.
“Sampling by EPA officers confirmed that Mile Creek was impacted by oil and it had come from Fulton Hogan’s Springvale premises,” Ms Mathias said.
“Oil affects aquatic life in waterways by reducing oxygen levels, it directly smothers anything living in the waterway and creates a toxic environment in water.”
Ms Mathias said EPA expected businesses and industry to assess and know the risks of any operations and to have processes and controls in place to prevent any harm occurring to the environment.
“Fulton Hogan did respond immediately by reporting the matter to the EPA and installed booms in Mile Creek to prevent any further spread of the spill,” Ms Mathias said.
“The company also engaged a contractor to remove oil from the creek and the stormwater drainage system and has since taken remedial action by sealing the onsite stormwater drainage pit where the spill entered and are installing containment controls around the oil heater to prevent any future spills of this kind.”
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, Fulton Hogan Industries Pty Ltd has the right to have the $8,060 fine reviewed or have the matter determined by a court.
The public is urged to report environmental concerns to the EPA’s 24-hour pollution hotline 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).