Posted 22/5/10 

EPA NEWS - Issue 1, 2010

http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/publications/epanews/default.asp

EPA welcomes John Merritt

At the beginning of February, John Merritt was welcomed to EPA as the new chief executive officer.  Mr Merritt said he wanted the EPA under his direction to be known as an organisation the community could trust.

Case closed - EPA prosecutions

Three months into the start of 2010 and EPA has achieved some fantastic results in the courts, with four cases successfully presented, following pollution incidents around the state. This is a clear indication that EPA intends to take action where necessary. EPA expects industry and individuals to do the right thing environmentally.

South west licence inspections just pass muster

Several companies have been found lacking following an EPA licence compliance check of 20 licenced sites in the south west in late 2009. EPA's south west manager Gavin Mathieson said the results, where only 65 per cent were found to be compliant, were not great and the inspections had revealed some problem areas.

Innovations to reduce hazardous waste attract $5 million in HazWaste Fund grants

The Victorian Government's HazWaste Fund has attracted a high level of interest from organisations involved in waste management, with more than 100 applications received and in excess of $5 million committed in the grants.  The Fund, administered by EPA, is a key element of the Victorian Government's strategy to eliminate high hazard waste from landfill
by 2020.

Settling the dust storms in Brooklyn

Industry and residential properties have long tried to co-exist in the Brooklyn area with varying degrees of success. During summer, residents experienced high levels of dust created by hot, dry north westerly winds whipping up soil from a number of areas including unsealed roads, basalt plains, motor vehicles and industrial activity.

Odourous green waste facility lands company with fine

The operator of a green waste facility, Transpacific Waste Management Pty Ltd, in Clayton South has been fined $5841 by EPA fro odour issues at its Victory Road premises.EPA's southern metro manager Susanna Young said the company had breached an EPA notice issued in October 2008, requiring offensive odours go no further than the boundary.

EPA grants works approval for Eastern Treatment Plant

In late January EPA issued a works approval to Melbourne Water for an advanced tertiary treatment upgrade of the Eastern Treatment Plant in Bangholme.