EPA and Preston businesses improving stormwater to protect the Yarra River

EPA is urging Preston businesses to get behind a new program to improve the quality of stormwater entering the Yarra River.

During May EPA inspected premises in the Preston industrial area. Site visits identified issues and helped commercial and industrial business improve their waste management to reduce the amount of pollutants, litter and contaminants entering the stormwater system.

EPA executive director regional services Bruce Dawson said EPA wants to work with businesses to prevent pollution from occurring in the first place.

“Our aim is to help businesses build pollution control into their day-to-day workplace practices. This program will provide the information and recommendations for them to do this,” Mr Dawson said.

The program is part of EPA’s Yarra River Investigation and Response Program (YRIRP), which is working to identify pollution sources, enforce pollution regulation and educate business and community to improve the health of stormwater entering the Yarra River and its tributaries.

Polluted stormwater that flows into the Yarra River has the potential to cause severe damage to the health of the river.

Areas that contribute to stormwater pollution include car parks, roofs, driveways and gutters. The program will look at the storage of liquid waste and products, the management of spills, vehicle washing and litter on site.

The types of sites inspected included manufacturing, processing plants, automotive businesses, car washes, food processors, fabricating and printing businesses.

“EPA will guide businesses to rectify any problems that are found and has a range of statutory tools available that may be used to ensure this occurs,” Mr Dawson said.

In the coming months the program will also inspect industrial estates at Fairfield and Reservoir.

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