Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined a concrete supplier and ordered a clean-up, after a concrete slurry leak at a facility in Terror St, Keilor Park.
EPA Metro Region Manager Dan Hunt said the leak released highly alkaline concrete slurry into neighbouring land, leaving dried concrete and killing off vegetation.
“The leak had the potential to impact plants, fish and other forms of aquatic life,” Mr Hunt said.
“It’s important that concrete slurry is properly collected and disposed safely.
“If it isn’t, and makes its way into our stormwater system and waterways, it can cause environmental damage.”
The leak was discovered by EPA investigating officers who inspected the Keilor Park site operated by concrete supplier Economix Pty Ltd.
EPA officers discovered the concrete slurry breaching its storage boundaries across the facility and making its way into neighbouring land.
As a result, EPA has issued Economix Pty Ltd with a $8,060 fine.
The neighbouring land impacted is owned by Melbourne Water, within the Steele Creek catchment that feeds into the Maribyrnong River.
The company has also been served a notice ordering full clean-up, restoration of the polluted land to its prior condition, and installation of controls to make sure slurry and liquid waste does not leak out again.
If Economix Pty Ltd does not comply with the notice, they risk facing further fines.
“EPA expects business and industry dealing with these kinds of materials to properly maintain controls so that leaks don’t happen,” Mr Hunt said.
EPA will conduct additional inspections of the premises to ensure the clean-up is completed.
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, the company has the right to have the decision to issue the infringement notice reviewed or alternatively to have the matter heard and determined by a court.
Members of the public can report any kind of pollution to EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).