2017-07-11 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                       11 JULY 2017


6.    Attachment - Report on the Inspection of Premises

The attachment to this report gives a comprehensive overview of the findings during the
inspection of the industrial premises. Of relevance is the photographs that depict some of the
concerning practices discovered during the inspection program. The report is attached highlights
what happens behind the scenes at industrial premises.

7.    Summary and Recommendation

The initial stormwater quality investigation found water quality impacts in Eenie Creek with
elevated levels in water temperature, pH, turbidity and hydrocarbons. The subsequent
investigation of industries within the stormwater catchment, supported concerns that industry site
management practices are likely to be a major contributor to poor water quality in Eenie Creek.

Industry was provided with advice in advance that Council was undertaking the inspection
program, so staff were for the most part, well received. Feedback to staff was that industry
welcomed an external overview of their operations, as it helped provide a level playing field, and
the external oversight achieved this outcome between competing industries.

Given the impacts on Eenie Creek and associated waterways, which include a fish habitat
reserve (Lake Weyba), and the level of noncompliant site management practices of industries
inspected, it is recommended that:
a)    An annual inspection program be implemented for certain types of industry, i.e. industries
      involved in activities that have the potential to release environmentally harmful
      contaminants.
b)    A risk based approach should be used to allow for low risk industries to be inspected every
      2 years rather than annually.
c)    The authority to implement such a program would require a local law amendment under the
      Administrative Local Law 1.


Previous Council Consideration

Nil

Finance & Risk

The recommendation for an annual inspection program will require a local law amendment. The
local law process may have some additional financial expense if external legal review is required.

An annual inspection program will have a fee attached to cover administration, field inspection
work and follow up environmental monitoring to confirm improvements in the stormwater
catchment entering Eenie Creek.

The inspection program will have a workload impact but will aim to be cost neutral.

Consultation

External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder

The industries likely to be involved in the ERA inspection program, received written advice prior
to the inspection commencement regarding intended inspections and reasoning.




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