The Environment Protection Act 1970 (the Act) defines environment protection laws in Victoria. It says it’s against the law to cause pollution. The State Environment Protection Policy (Waters) part of the Act talks about:
- water management
- laws that apply to leaks and spills.
What the law says about hazardous leaks and spills depends on:
- the liquid a person or organisation has leaked or spilt
- the type of pollution the leak or spill causes.
Groundwater pollution is also an offence under the Act. EPA can prosecute people and organisations who don’t comply with the law about hazardous leaks and spills.
Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods can cause serious harm to people and the environment. Some examples of dangerous goods are petrol and flammable paint. Any leak or spill of a dangerous good must follow the rules defined in:
- Dangerous Good (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012
- The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids – Australian Standard 1940:2017
Help to comply with the law
You can get guidance on storing and managing liquids from:
- Liquid storage and handling guidelines (publication 1698)
- WorkSafe Victoria – helps businesses comply with health and safety laws and provide more information on storing and managing liquids (including dangerous goods).
Find out more about storing and managing liquids.
Read more about hazardous leaks and spills
About Hazardous leaks and spillsReviewed 29 June 2020
