EPA issue environmental holiday shutdown warnings

WITH many businesses taking a holiday break this summer, the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) are reminding the community they have a duty to manage pollution issues even when taking time off.

This Christmas season, factories, construction sites, warehouses and many other businesses will be required to take steps to make sure their workplace is secure and does not pose an environmental threat.

“Under the General Environmental Duty, everyone has to act to prevent pollution,” EPA south west regional manager Carolyn Francis said.

“That means taking the necessary steps to ensure machinery is properly turned off, chemicals are properly stored and there’s no leaks escaping the site to stormwater drains.

“It also means security and fire management systems such as alarms and sprinklers are working and firewater containment systems are operational.

“Construction sites should also be managing any litter they create.

“That can often be as simple as making sure the skip bin lid is closed and that waffle slab styrene is properly tethered on site.

“We are working over the holiday period and will enforce compliance, with heavy penalties for anyone who fails to comply.”

The EPA have been in frequent contact with the construction industry in particular, to make sure builders and land developers manage environmental and public health obligations like noise and vibration, erosion, sediment and dust, contaminated land and groundwater and much more.

The full document can be found in the Civil construction, building and demolition guide (publication 1834).

According to Victorian Building Authority data, more than 2,400 proactive inspections of building and plumbing work were undertaken between July and September 2022.

Analysis of quarter one data from the VBA’s Proactive Inspection Program showed that non-compliant building and plumbing issues had increased statewide, up by 14 per cent compared to the same time last year.

“The best present we can give to community and the environment is a safe, pollution-free one,” Ms Francis said.

For more information, head to epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/find-a-topic/construction-industry-guidance/hazards-and-risks-in-construction