2017-07-11 P&E Agenda - Attachment 1 to Item 8 - Investigation into Stormwater Pollution from Noosa's Industrial Activities

1. Executive Summary
1     Initial investigation

In 2016 an initial investigation into stormwater pollution from the Noosaville Industrial Estate was
conducted due to concerns that previously licensed premises (Environmentally Relevant Activities
known as ERA’s) were not maintaining the necessary standards to prevent stormwater
contamination. Changes to legislation created an outcome where these premises were not required
to be licensed, resulting in cessation of the annual inspections.

The investigation which lasted several months found that high levels of hydrocarbons were detected
in the holding area of the larger of the two stormwater outlets, on two occasions. Both times the
samples were taken during dry times to ensure the results were not influenced by first flush events.

Analysis of the results showed that the hydrocarbons were in the higher carbon fractions indicating
that the likely contaminants were diesel, lubrication oil, heavy duty engine oil and components of
grease. There are approximately 18 motor vehicle mechanics operating in the Stormwater 2
catchment area. Professor Chris Derry who interpreted the sampling results stated that the results
for the C29-36 fractions “were in excess of 10 times the level that have been recorded on moderately
trafficked areas of central Sydney”

Other findings from the investigation indicated that the water temperature, pH levels, electrical
conductivity, total nitrogen and turbidity all increased in Eenie Creek downstream from where
stormwater outlet 2 entered the creek (see Table 1 under section 2.3 of this report).

2     Inspection of industrial premises
As a result of this initial study initiated by the Environmental Health Section, it was recommended
that more investigations were necessary to determine the source of the hydrocarbon pollution. It was
also recommended that Council should consider re-establishing an inspection and monitoring
program of businesses that previously required an ERA license. This could be achieved by the
introduction of a local law for prescribed activities. Council endorsed this suggestion and allocated
additional funding in the 2016/17 budget for resources to conduct a full investigation of sources of
potential pollution.

At the beginning of February 2017 Denise Brooks and Helen Eyre were tasked with conducting an
inspection of all previous ERA licensed businesses in the Noosa Shire, as well as any new
businesses that would have required an ERA license. The inspections mainly concentrated on the
work practices and the suitability of premises to prevent contamination of stormwater and land.
Inspections focused on the Rene street area which drains into Eenie Creek, but also included other
industrial premises throughout the shire of a similar capacity to cause environmental harm.

This report details the results of the inspections undertaken which in summary revealed:
 31 (55.36%) of 56 premises in the Industrial Estate had deficiencies that presented
   potential for pollution.
 25 (56.82%) of the 44 industrial premises in Noosaville, Tewantin and Noosa Heads
   (outside the Rene Street Industrial area) had deficiencies that presented potential for
   pollution.
 7 (43.75%) of the 16 Industrial premises in Cooroy had deficiencies that presented
   potential for pollution.

Photographs that were taken during the inspection program depict the potential sources of pollution
discovered. This report makes a series of recommendations for future action which includes a risk
based annual inspection program of these premises and the development of a Local Law to support
the imposition of fees to recover Council’s costs for performing the inspections and associated
administrative costs.

Investigation into Stormwater Pollution from Noosa’s Industrial Activities                    Page 2