Woollahra Council has successfully prosecuted three builders for water pollution offences under the New South Wales Protection of the Environment Act.
The cases were heard in Waverley Local Court as follows.
- In January 2002, water containing cement slurry from a Vaucluse building site was seen flowing into a storm water drain. Council officers took photographs and the builder pleaded guilty to a water pollution offence. The builder was convicted and fined $400 plus court costs.
- In June 2002, water mixed with concrete was seen flowing into stormwater drains from a Paddington development site. Council officers took photographs and issued an infringement notice. The company was convicted and fined $5,000 plus court costs.
- In January 2002, Council officers found cement mixed with water running into stormwater drains from a Darling Point development site and issued an infringement notice. After 11 days, Council found the situation had not changed and issued another notice. A month later, they found water containing brown sediment flowing into stormwater drains and issued a third notice. The company was convicted of three water pollution offences and fined $4,300 plus court costs.
Council’s Compliance Manager, Brett Daintry, said the convictions should sound a warning to all builders.
“Council is very pleased to see the Court enforce upon developers and builders the need to install and maintain erosion and sediment controls and provide appropriate areas for washing down equipment,” he said. “The improved water quality now enjoyed in Sydney Harbour has been achieved by the large majority of developers, builders, residents and businesses who prevent water pollution.”
Council is also investigating run-off control and possible ground contamination at a number of petrol stations.
NSW Local Courts can impose a fine of up to $22,000 for water pollution offences and NSW Land and Environment Court fines can exceed $1 million.
A ‘Do it right on-site’ guide for builders is available on Council’s web site at www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au under the ‘Our Services’ banner in the environment and planning sections.
For further information visit the NSW Environment Protection Authority website at www.epa.nsw.gov.au or telephone 131 555.
