Swan Hill businesses advised on environment

EPA’s snap inspection program of Swan Hill businesses last week has been described as encouraging but there is still a need for a better understanding of the General Environmental Duty which calls on everyone to act to prevent harm to the environment

“Everyone has a role to play in acting to protect the environment,” EPA North West Regional Manager Paul Ratajczyk said.

“Most businesses we saw last week were at least trying to do the right thing, but almost all of the 40 businesses we inspected needed advice on becoming fully compliant. Most issues were around improving controls, including secondary containment, to prevent leaks or spills from entering the stormwater system.

“Other topics included waste management, chemical storage, EPA permissions, fire safety and odour mitigation.

“EPA wants to help businesses to understand that they must act to improve their onsite controls to prevent spills and pollution entering the environment. Where EPA identifies poor controls to prevent pollution they can expect us to use our powers to enforce compliance. 

“The waterways that storm drains feed into are a vital amenity for our communities and must be protected by everyone, including industry.” 

Mr Ratajczyk said further action was being considered in relation to a number of businesses EPA had inspected.

Businesses can visit our Meeting your obligations www.epa.vic.gov.au/meeting-your-obligations and Stormwater https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/stormwater webpages or contact us for help in understanding and meeting their responsibilities.

Community members can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at Make a report www.epa.vic.gov.au/make-report