Concrete batching company HEIDELBERG MATERIALS AUSTRALIA GROUP PTY LTD faces a nearly $4,000 fine after EPA inspections of their Thornycroft St, Campbellfield operation.
EPA officers found sediment containing concrete waste consistent with the kinds of materials used by Heidelberg Materials in their works, tracking out from their site into the drainage system and to the nearby stormwater drain.
Further inspections found concrete trucks leaving the site and dripping wash waters with potentially harmful contents onto the road and again entering the stormwater drain.
"Merlynston Creek is not far from the site and the storm drain discharges to it. The waste liquid from the concrete batching operation must be contained on the site and properly managed," said EPA Northern Metropolitan Regional Manager Chloe Bernett.
"Our officers have provided advice to Heidelberg Materials on how to improve their performance, and their legal obligation to do so, but waste liquid at the site should already have had appropriate controls.
"As Heidelberg Materials did not achieve a satisfactory level of compliance, a $3,952 fine is appropriate and sends a message to businesses that they must act to prevent harm to the environment."
