Company fined for creek pollution

THE State’s Environmental Protection Authority has fined a Golden Square-based concrete plant for polluting Bendigo Creek.

A statement from the EPA said a fine of just less than $5550 was levied against Hanson Construction Materials for “depositing waste of more than 50 litres but not more than 1000 litres” into the waterway.

Investigations into the release started on Tuesday, 9 August after a “grey coloured discharge” was spotted flowing into the creek via a storm water drain.

“EPA officers investigated that day and found a stormwater pipe in the creek wall with grey crusting and staining, and a white/grey stain in the creek bed,” said Dr Scott Pigdon, EPA North-West region manager.

“Field observations showed water in the Bendigo Creek had been affected, and they traced the pipe back to the Hanson Concrete batching plant in Thistle Street.”

During the investigation the EPA discovered that processes used by the company to wash cement trucks had stopped working and “wastewater had been escaping into a stormwater drain unnoticed.”

In response to the fine, a spokesperson for the company said it would be seeking a review of the EPA’s decision.

“We take this issue very seriously and are continuing to investigate the alleged contamination from our concrete batching plant in Golden Square, Bendigo,” a statement from Hanson said.

“Hanson will be requesting an internal review of the EPA’s decision, in line with the statutory timeframe.

“Hanson notes that the alleged location of the polluted water is nearly 300 metres from the plant and is a shared storm water discharge line from residents and other businesses.

“Hanson is committed to protecting the local environment and uses a First Flush Wastewater Treatment System in line with Industry guidelines at this plant to prevent pollution.

“We look forward to working with the EPA to fully understand the source of the contamination in Bendigo Creek.”

The issue was delt with under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the company can have the fine reviewed or heard by a court as part of the Infringements Act 2006.