The City of Wanneroo has commenced a Light Industry Inspection Program to assist local businesses in protecting the environment and avoiding breaches of environmental legislation, including the Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004. The aim of these assessments is to ensure businesses are aware of their obligations regarding material storage and discharges and to work with them to achieve compliance with these requirements.
As you may be aware, any pollutants entering storm water drains or the environment can work its way into wetland systems and ground water aquifers.
The City’s Environmental Health Officers are undertaking these inspections with Officers from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).
Anyone engaged in a commercial/industrial business activity is required to take responsibility for preventing the escape of contaminants from their business into the environment.
The Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004 prohibit the following materials from being discharged into the environment.
Click below to view materials not to be discharged into the environment
Materials not to be discharged into the environment
- Acid with a pH less than 4
- Alkali with pH more than 10
- Animal waste
- Animal oil, fat or grease
- Compounds or solutions of cyanide, mercury, chromium, lead, arsenic, nickel, zinc or copper
- Degreaser
- Detergent
- Dust produced by a mechanical process including cutting, grinding, sawing, sanding or polishing a material
- Dye
- Engine coolant or engine corrosion inhibitor
- Food waste
- Laundry waste
- Mineral oil
- Organic solvents
- Paint
- Pesticide
- Petrol, diesel or other hydrocarbon
- Sediment
- Sewage
- Vegetable oil, fat or grease
Businesses that wash down vehicles or equipment should install a wash down bay to prevent detergents, degreasers and oily residues from entering into the environment. Guidelines for the design and operation of wash down bays can be found by clicking below:
Guidelines for the design and operation of wash down bays
If you are a business, you can perform a Self-Assessment Checklist to identify areas and practises that may need attention. If you have any questions about this program please call Health Services on 9405 5000.