At work
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. Also learn about our area blitz programme that works with our business community to raise environmental awareness.
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.
Useful links
Area blitz programme
Spill response plans
Information sheets
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 on (09) 486 8600. We prefer to prevent problems before they worsen and result in pollution.
Useful links
Pollution prevention