Approximately half of all pollution incidents attended by our pollution prevention team are due to spills, sloppy housekeeping and inappropriate site operations of the business community.
If you own a business or are a contractor then it is your responsibility to ensure you do not pollute the land, outside (stormwater) drains or a waterway. While you may consider that your business is well operated and has little or no environmental impact, even well run businesses can pollute the environment.
There are many simple changes you can make to your day-to-day practices that can help prevent pollution. Developing a spill response plan and reading our pollution prevention information sheets will help you take the right steps.
You may think that your little bit of waste couldn’t possibly harm our environment. But add it to any water pollution from over 18,000 businesses and 200,000 residents in North Shore City and the impact can be quite significant. It is the combined effects of all these discharges that are the cause of increasing damage to our environment.
Basic steps you or your company can take right now
- Keep all paved outside areas clean, so that rainfall run-off doesn’t become polluted
- Recycle and reuse materials whenever practicable and always put rubbish in the bin
- Store all liquid chemicals and wastes under cover and in contained area e.g. a raised bund. Make sure your chemicals are stored in compliance with HSNO regulations
- Be aware of all chemicals/substances used in your business activities and the effects they can have on our environment
- Be prepared to deal promptly with any spills or leaks and have a Spill Response Plan (see below) in place for accidents
- Dispose of all wastes properly, never let them soak into the ground, flow or be washed down an outside drain. If you are discharging to the sewer system you may need a trade waste permit
- Keep your vehicles properly tuned and free of leaks and drips
- Remind friends, family and workmates how we all affect the environment
- If you are unsure whether you have a problem on your site, or if you need advice, call the pollution prevention team via Actionline (09) 486 8600. We prefer to prevent problems before they worsen and result in pollution.
Spill Response Plans
Sometimes the first reaction to a spill is to wash the spilt substance away with water. However, washing a spill down an outside (stormwater) drain is only transferring the problem to an environment far more sensitive and difficult to clean up.
Spills of environmentally harmful materials can happen anywhere at any time, polluting land and water. Developing a detailed plan on how to deal with a spill before it occurs will help protect our environment.
The key to successful spill response is speed of response and preparedness. Your staff must be prepared to deal with a spill when on the job. Relevant vehicles or work areas should be equipped with absorbent materials (e.g. rags, sawdust) and containment devices e.g. rubbish bags. Each of your employees needs to be trained on how to use the equipment and be reminded of their legal responsibilities.
Being prepared for a spill does not have to be expensive. If a spill leaves your site, you are legally responsible for cleaning and repairing the receiving environment. This may include removing residues from the stormwater system and stream environment, and restocking fish. These activities cost time and money.
Develop a spill response plan for your business and be prepared!
An example of a spill response plan:
