By Benjamin Millar
A Brooklyn company responsible for turning a stretch of Stony Creek blood red with a broken bottle of dye has been ordered to take steps to prevent any further waste discharge from their premises.
Marchem Australasia Pty Ltd, a chemical business on the old BP Castrol site on Geelong Road, has been slapped with a minor works pollution abatement notice by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) after an investigation linked the company with the red dye that polluted creek over the weekend.
EPA western metropolitan regional manager Stephen Lansdell said the business was located almost three kilometers from where the pollution flowed into Stony Creek.
“We understand the extensive red colour was the result of a five-litre bottle of dye, which was blown over in the wind and broke in an area which was largely concealed from view, which really proves that a small oversight can have big consequences to our environment,” he said.
Mr Lansdell said the business is looking into why one of its drains was connected to a rainwater pipe that fed a stormwater drain, despite previously conducting a plumbing survey at the premises.
“It is up to all of us, and especially businesses which deal with potential contaminants, to remove as many risks as possible to ensure we protect and safeguard our environment from pollution,” he said.
“We would urge all businesses to regularly conduct checks and environmental audits to avoid potential charges.”
Marchem Australasia Pty Ltd has told the EPA that it has taken steps to block an internal pump, seal a drainage pit and clean out the affected drains.
Mr Lansdell said the EPA will ensure the company undertakes all necessary permanent changes to ensure such a discharge cannot occur again.
The investigation is continuing and further action may still be taken against the company.
