In short:
Businesses and construction sites across Wyndham are being warned by EPA to properly secure their sites before closing for the Christmas holiday period. EPA officers will be enforcing compliance throughout the shutdown, with penalties applying for pollution risks, unsecured waste and poorly managed sites.
Compliance Reminder for Shutdown Season
Businesses and construction sites across Wyndham closing over the Christmas and New Year period are being urged to properly secure their sites to prevent pollution and environmental harm.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) says factories, warehouses, construction sites and other businesses must take steps before shutting down to ensure their operations do not pose an environmental risk while unattended.
Under the General Environmental Duty in the Environment Protection Act 2017, all businesses have a legal obligation to prevent pollution where reasonably practicable.
Acting EPA Executive Director Operations Rachel Gualano said basic shutdown checks are essential.
“Everyone has to act to prevent pollution under the General Environmental Duty which is part of the Environment Protection Act 2017,” Ms Gualano said.
“That means ensuring machinery is properly turned off, chemicals are properly stored and there’s no leaks escaping the site.
“It also means security and fire management systems such as alarms and sprinklers are working and firewater containment systems are operational.”
Construction sites are being reminded to manage litter before closing, with EPA noting that unsecured waste can easily end up in waterways or neighbouring properties.
“Building sites should also be managing any litter they create,” Ms Gualano said.
“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.”
EPA officers will be working throughout the holiday period and will take enforcement action where sites fail to meet their obligations, with heavy penalties applying for serious breaches.
EPA has been working closely with the construction industry and has published its Civil construction, building and demolition guide to help businesses manage environmental and public health risks.
The guide covers key issues including noise and vibration management, erosion, sediment and dust control, contaminated land and groundwater, chemical storage and handling, and waste management.
EPA has also released guidance for managing stormwater runoff to prevent pollution during shutdown periods, particularly for construction sites.
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