The Surf Coast Shire and the Environment Protection Authority have launched a new campaign calling on construction companies to better protect the environment by improving waste control and disposal at building sites.
Loose styrofoam building pods, overloaded waste skips and contamination of stormwater running into the sea are among major concerns at sites across the shire, leading to the launch of the ‘Don’t Skip on our Environment’ awareness campaign.
“While we recognise that some operators strive to do their best in safeguarding against environmental damage, there are others who should show a lot more care for our environment and neighbourhood amenity,” deputy mayor Liz Pattison said.
“The new Environment Protection Act which has come into effect in Victoria requires businesses to take reasonably practicable steps to eliminate or reduce risks of harm to people and the environment from pollution and waste.
“That means proactively preventing environmental harm as well as dealing with the impacts of pollution and waste from their sites.
“We understand that there can be challenges with several trades coming and going from sites but the environmental responsibility rests with everyone and it remains through the whole process from the laying of foundations to the final paint.
“We are also calling on members of the public to take responsibility for their own waste and stop illegal dumping in construction site skips.”
The shire and the EPA are posting ‘Don’t Skip on the Environment’ signs across the Surf Coast, as well as increasing monitoring of sites and issuing penalties.
EPA south west region manager Carolyn Francis urged operators to take care.
“New building activity is great for the region, but builders and land developers must meet the duties of the new Environment Protection Act 2017 including the General Environmental Duty, by controlling and preventing potential pollution risks from their sites,” Ms Francis said.
“Simple actions like stopping mud run-off to stormwater drains or local waterways, keeping noise as low as possible and between 7am to 6pm and notifying the EPA of any pollution incidents.
“Sites must also manage waste such making sure the skip bin lid is closed, and that styrofoam building pods are properly tied down.”
Under the Surf Coast’s local laws, people in charge of building sites can be issued on-the-spot fines of $300 or face court penalties of $1000.
