Cherry Creek waste discharge leads to fine

A Laverton North company that failed to properly manage its liquid waste allowing it to discharge into Cherry Creek, has been fined $2,035 by EPA Victoria.

Melbourne Marble Designs operates from a facility in Pipe Rd, Laverton North. EPA received reports from the community of a white liquid discharging into Cherry Creek in late January this year.

Officers dispatched to the site quickly traced the source of the discharge to Melbourne Marble Designs.

“We could see from the stone cutting operation that the waste liquid used in the process was being allowed to discharge to a stormwater pipe that fed through the drain system to Cherry Creek,” said EPA West Metropolitan Regional Manager Julia Gaitan.

“The white colour of the liquid appears to be caused by suspended particles of the artificial stone. Any contaminated liquids that enter our waterways can harm the environment and EPA is sending a message to all industries; manage your processes, contain your waste fluids or we will take action including the issuing of fines and further action to ensure there is no repetition.

“The only thing that should go down our stormwater drains and to our creeks and waterways, is rain.”

If you see pollution, contact EPA on 1300 372 842 and www.epa.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) and for more information about handling liquid waste, EPA has advice at Preventing liquid leaks and spills from entering the environment (fact sheet) | epa.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)