Green Civil Constructions Pty Ltd , a Mt Waverly construction company, has been fined $5,769 by EPA Victoria for allowing sediment and sediment contaminated water to enter into stormwater drains which flow into Blackburn Lake.
The offence, which occurred in July in Station Street, Nunawading, was reported to EPA by community members who saw the sediment flowing into the lake.
EPA officers investigated and traced the source back to a site being worked on by Green Civil.
"Construction companies must take reasonable steps so that sediment does not flow offsite. It's part of the General Environmental Duty which says we're all responsible for acting to prevent pollution," EPA North Metropolitan Regional Manager Jeremy Settle said.
"The amount of sediment that escaped was easily visible to the community and our officers when they arrived. Sediment can cause significant harm for the aquatic life of the lake.
"EPA has been very consistent in its messaging to the construction industry that it must address pollution issues like these. Green Civil has failed to act which allowed sediment to flow off this site and so a fine is appropriate."
If you see pollution call us on 1300 372 842 or online at www.epa.vic.gov.au
