2018-07-10 P&E Agenda Attachment 1 to Item 8 - Draft Noosa River Plan

3.2.3
Other pollution sources
Industrial business operations with the potential to release contaminants into waterways are referred to
as Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs). These businesses are licensed with conditions under the
Environment Protection Act 1994.
Council undertakes annual inspections of ERA licensed businesses to ensure compliance. These businesses
include boat building, metal recovery, and asphalt industries. Following the introduction of the State
Government’s Green Tape Reduction Act 2012, many previously ERA licensed businesses, with the potential
to pollute waterways, no longer require a licence with conditions of use, or an authorised annual inspection
by Council. These businesses are expected to self-regulate and adhere to industry standards.
In 2016, an initial stormwater pollution investigation of the Noosaville industrial estate revealed pollution
had occurred and impacted the local waterway. A further comprehensive investigation of 132 businesses




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across the Shire followed. It also revealed an alarming level of non-compliance.
Council has been working in partnership with key industries to facilitate information on environmental




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compliance and share knowledge. A risk-based annual inspection program of industrial premises is required
to monitor protection of waterways values under the Environment Protection (Water) Policy.




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Throughout the catchment, there are also instances where individual practices create polluted runoff,
which enters waterways, predominantly via the stormwater network. Specific examples include:




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•      Building sites without erosion controls in place (sediment runoff when it rains).
•      Back-washing of private swimming pools and spas (pathogens/chemical releases).




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•      Cleaning and painting roofs (runoff of paint/cleaning substances).
•      Car washes (runoff of hydrocarbons/cleaning substances) littering.




Page 38 l Noosa River Plan