Are industries around Tullamarine protecting the environment as much as they should? EPA Victoria is conducting snap inspections on Wednesday, 22 February, to find out.

EPA officers will be speaking to businesses in the area to see how they are ensuring waste liquids do not leave their premises and enter stormwater drains.

“Stormwater drains to local waterways such as creeks and rivers via our stormwater system, so it’s important businesses know their responsibilities under Victoria’s environment protection laws to prevent pollution,” EPA CEO Lee Miezis said. 

“Following recent storm and flood events statewide, it’s more important than ever that businesses are aware of how their actions can directly impact the environment and public health.

“Ensuring the health of the waterways is important for Traditional Owners and their cultural responsibility to care for Country.  Our waterways must be protected by everyone, including industry,” said Mr Miezis. 

Many businesses throughout the state have already been inspected, with EPA officers inspecting more than 100 businesses in suburban Thomastown, around Kororoit Creek in Melbourne’s west and at Warrnambool and Cowes in country Victoria.

EPA has information online at epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/find-a-topic/store-manage-liquids ‘ 

“Under the General Environmental Duty requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 2017 it’s everyone’s job to act to protect the environment and EPA is working to generate a greater understanding of that responsibility,” Mr Miezis said.

An information video explaining the General Environmental Duty and what businesses are expected to do to be compliant with it is available at epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/get-involved/past-events/the-role-of-industry-and-business-in-protecting-the-environment

More information for industry sectors is available at the following links: Manufacturing, Construction, Retail, Agriculture, Mining and quarrying, Waste and recycling, and Local government. Guidelines are also available for concreting businesses and auto recyclers.