In short:
EPA officers inspecting warehouses in Melbourne’s west have found ongoing issues with how dangerous goods are stored and managed. The agency says more must be done to prevent spills and fire wash-water from polluting local waterways.
Warehouses put on watch
A snap inspection program by EPA West Metropolitan Regional officers has uncovered ongoing safety and compliance gaps at warehouses in Wyndham’s growing industrial zones, with several operators in Truganina and Laverton North now being put on notice.
The unannounced inspections, carried out on 22 October, targeted 15 warehouse and logistics sites across Melbourne’s west — including key freight and storage hubs in Altona, Derrimut, Tottenham and Wyndham. Officers focused on how businesses store and manage dangerous goods, and how prepared they are for spills or fires.
EPA West Metropolitan Regional Manager Julia Gaitan said the operation aimed to ensure local industries understand their obligations under Victoria’s Environment Protection Act.
“The General Environmental Duty (GED) requires all Victorians, including businesses, to take reasonable action to prevent and minimise harm to the environment and the community,” Ms Gaitan said.
She said businesses in major warehouse precincts — such as those in Truganina and Laverton North — need to consider the wider environmental impact if a fire or chemical spill occurs.
“We found many facilities still need to improve liquid storage and handling practices to prevent spills from reaching stormwater drains and waterways,” she said.
EPA officers will now assess the findings from each site and determine what enforcement action is needed, which could include formal notices to make improvements and strengthen safety systems.
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