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A special operation from Environment Protection Authority Victoria’s (EPA) Northern Metropolitan Region has identified the source of persistent contamination to Darebin Creek in Heidelberg West; prompting a call to action for the stone cutting industry.
EPA officers conducted more than 30 inspections at businesses in the Heidelberg West Industrial Estate after Darebin Creek - to the west of the estate - was plagued by pollution problems for several years.
EPA Northern Metropolitan Regional Manager Jeremy Settle says the operation targeting the industrial estate made use of improved sources of information.
“Using our knowledge of the businesses operating in the industrial estate, combined with high-resolution aerial imagery and an increased understanding of the stormwater drainage system, we were able to identify distinct sources of pollution,” Mr Settle said.
“EPA officers found two stone-cutting businesses in the industrial estate did not have sufficient controls to prevent their wastewater directly entering the stormwater system, which leads to the creek,” he said.
“EPA directed the businesses to immediately stop their existing wastewater systems, and our officers have been working with both businesses to help them understand their responsibilities under the new Environment Protection Act.”
“Our initial work with the businesses has included practical advice on wastewater management and stormwater controls, and was extended to involve Yarra Valley Water for trade waste permissions and WorkSafe for wastewater management requirements that prevent harm to human health from silica dust that could be inhaled,” Mr Settle said.
EPA has provided both businesses with copies of its industry guidance documents: Supporting you to comply with the General Environmental Duty (publication 1741.1), Liquid storage and handling guidelines (publication 1698) and Stormwater and protecting our waterways (publication 1304.1).
“The special operation was the first time either of the two businesses has had any interaction with EPA, and our team’s advice has changed the way they manage stone cutting activities,” Mr Settle said.
EPA will be following up with other stone cutting businesses and reviewing reports of any similar pollution incidents that have remained unsolved.
The new Environment Protection Act which took effect on 1 July this year introduced the General Environmental Duty, a responsibility for anyone whose activities may involve pollution to take reasonable steps to eliminate risk to human health and the environment.
Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24 hour hotline on 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
The EPA industry guidance documents can be found here:
• Supporting you to comply with the General Environmental Duty (publication 1741.1)
• Liquid storage and handling guidelines (publication 1698)
• Stormwater and protecting our waterways (publication 1304.1)
EPA officers conducted more than 30 inspections at businesses in the Heidelberg West Industrial Estate after Darebin Creek - to the west of the estate - was plagued by pollution problems for several years.
EPA Northern Metropolitan Regional Manager Jeremy Settle says the operation targeting the industrial estate made use of improved sources of information.
“Using our knowledge of the businesses operating in the industrial estate, combined with high-resolution aerial imagery and an increased understanding of the stormwater drainage system, we were able to identify distinct sources of pollution,” Mr Settle said.
“EPA officers found two stone-cutting businesses in the industrial estate did not have sufficient controls to prevent their wastewater directly entering the stormwater system, which leads to the creek,” he said.
“EPA directed the businesses to immediately stop their existing wastewater systems, and our officers have been working with both businesses to help them understand their responsibilities under the new Environment Protection Act.”
“Our initial work with the businesses has included practical advice on wastewater management and stormwater controls, and was extended to involve Yarra Valley Water for trade waste permissions and WorkSafe for wastewater management requirements that prevent harm to human health from silica dust that could be inhaled,” Mr Settle said.
EPA has provided both businesses with copies of its industry guidance documents: Supporting you to comply with the General Environmental Duty (publication 1741.1), Liquid storage and handling guidelines (publication 1698) and Stormwater and protecting our waterways (publication 1304.1).
“The special operation was the first time either of the two businesses has had any interaction with EPA, and our team’s advice has changed the way they manage stone cutting activities,” Mr Settle said.
EPA will be following up with other stone cutting businesses and reviewing reports of any similar pollution incidents that have remained unsolved.
The new Environment Protection Act which took effect on 1 July this year introduced the General Environmental Duty, a responsibility for anyone whose activities may involve pollution to take reasonable steps to eliminate risk to human health and the environment.
Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24 hour hotline on 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
The EPA industry guidance documents can be found here:
• Supporting you to comply with the General Environmental Duty (publication 1741.1)
• Liquid storage and handling guidelines (publication 1698)
• Stormwater and protecting our waterways (publication 1304.1)
Reviewed 13 August 2021
