THE State\u2019s Environmental Protection Authority has fined a Golden Square-based concrete plant for polluting Bendigo Creek.<\/p>\n
A statement from the EPA said a fine of just less than $5550 was levied against Hanson Construction Materials for \u201cdepositing waste of more than 50 litres but not more than 1000 litres\u201d into the waterway.<\/p>\n
Investigations into the release started on Tuesday, 9 August after a \u201cgrey coloured discharge\u201d was spotted flowing into the creek via a storm water drain.<\/p>\n
\u201cEPA 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,\u201d said Dr Scott Pigdon, EPA North-West region manager.<\/p>\n
\u201cField 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the investigation the EPA discovered that processes used by the company to wash cement trucks had stopped working and \u201cwastewater had been escaping into a stormwater drain unnoticed.\u201d<\/p>\n
In response to the fine, a spokesperson for the company said it would be seeking a review of the EPA\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe take this issue very seriously and are continuing to investigate the alleged contamination from our concrete batching plant in Golden Square, Bendigo,\u201d a statement from Hanson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHanson will be requesting an internal review of the EPA\u2019s decision, in line with the statutory timeframe.<\/p>\n
\u201cHanson 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHanson 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look forward to working with the EPA to fully understand the source of the contamination in Bendigo Creek.\u201d<\/p>\n