A soap and shampoo manufacturer in Laverton North has been fined nearly $10,000 by the Environment Protection Authority after it was found discharging its industrial wastewater into a nearby stormwater drain.
EPA officers, working with Greater Western Water, noticed murky, white coloured liquid in a stormwater drain during a visit to Greenleaf Cosmetics Australia Pty Ltd in Agosta Drive in May 2024.
The liquid was pouring into the stormwater drain from a hose connected to a nearby wastewater tank.
Industrial wastewater is supposed to be collected and disposed of to an appropriate facility.
“The only thing we want going down our stormwater drains is rainwater, certainly not wastewater that had been used in a soap making process,” EPA western metropolitan regional manager Steve Lansdell said.
“While the owner insisted it was a one-off incident by a casual worker, more than 1000 litres of the wastewater has been discharged. This kind of liquid is very likely to have an effect on our waterways and marine life.
“Every Victorian has a duty to act to prevent pollution and safeguard the environment. Greenleaf was clearly not doing so, and a fine of $9616 is appropriate.”
It’s the second fine issued by the EPA to a Laverton North company this week.
On Monday, June 10, a recycling company that allowed dirt and debris to be tracked out of its yard and down the street was fined nearly $2000.
Onesteel Recycling Pty Ltd, trading as InfraBuild, allowed mud, dirt and gravel to track beyond the boundary of their Fitzgerald Road site as trucks left.
“Infrabuild is aware that they have a problem with escaping mud and wash water and while they have a street sweeper, they should have controls in place to ensure dirt never leaves the site in the first place,” EPA western metropolitan acting regional manager Sam Sparks said.
“Our officers attended the site in May 2024 and could see where the mud had tracked. A fine of $1923 will reinforce on them the need to take action and send a message to all businesses that caring for the environment and acting to protect it, is everyone’s business.”
