SWAN Hill businesses have been put on notice with Environment Protection Authority Victoria holding a two-day blitz of industrial estates in the area.
EPA officers will conduct snap inspections on June 25 and 26, looking at how businesses are managing the waste created by their operations.
“Most business operators understand that under the Environment Protection Act, they have a duty to act to protect the environment and that means preventing waste escaping and doing damage,” EPA north west regional manager Paul Ratajczyk said.
“Frequently, we find businesses thinking they’ve done enough but they’ve missed a step.
“Simple things like using the EPA waste tracker system or having effective measures in place to stop leaking industrial fluids escaping to stormwater drains.
“We like to give a bit of notice we’re coming so they can double check.
“Where possible, we will provide advice on how to fix an issue then return to ensure that advice has been acted on.
“However, if it’s serious or deliberate, we can take more drastic action including the use of financial penalties.”
Businesses are encouraged to visit www.epa.vic.gov.au or contact EPA for support and to check they’re meeting their obligations.
The public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online www.epa.vic.gov.au/make-report.
