A first joint operation between the City of Whittlesea and the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, had found numerous builders to be violating environmental regulations.
Council and EPA conducted joint site inspections this month to ensure builders are meeting responsibilities under environmental protection laws.
The joint operation inspected building sites to ensure compliance with the Environmental Protection Act (2017) and the City of Whittlesea’s Building Site Code of Practise, with officers focusing on areas including waste management, wastewater, noise, vibration, and vehicles tracking mud and gravel from site, as well as compliance with council’s Local Laws.
During a recent operation, officers inspected more than 40 building sites across the municipality, with one deemed fully compliant, while the remainder will be issued with notices to comply and a range of infringements for violation of the Environmental Protection Act (2017) and the City of Whittlesea’s Building Site Code of Practice.
Common issues included temporary fences causing hazards to pedestrians, sediment flowing into stormwater, overfilled bins and uncontained litter on site.
City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd welcomed the partnership approach with the EPA, stating council took environmental responsibility seriously.
“The outcome of this operation highlights the need for ongoing oversight to safeguard the natural environment and ensure builders are upholding their responsibility to keep sites clean and compliant,” he said.
“While we found builders in breach of environmental protection laws during these inspections, we acknowledge there are many other builders out there who are doing the right thing.
“We will be addressing the issues found through this joint operation by educating builders and issuing fines where necessary. Together with the EPA, we are committed to working collaboratively to uphold,”
.
To learn more about the Building Site Code of Practice, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/code.
