Industry working with government to reduce stormwater pollution

Building, Construction and Demolition Industry Motor Vehicle Industry Horticulture

Strict pollution controls on industry have helped reduce impact on the environment in recent years. The State Government's stormwater education program is working with selected industries whose products have a detrimental impact on the environment when improperly used by consumers. The campaign will demonstrate to these industries how they can do the right thing. The EPA has worked with several industry groups:

Building, Construction and Demolition Industry

• Working with a consultant, the EPA is identifying planning and design principles, and compiling a case study of best practice stormwater management in the planning and design of greenfield development sites. The principles will be incorporated into guidelines for new subdivisions prepared by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning.
• Working with TAFE, a short course (and additional learning resources) is being developed, for incorporation into TAFE courses in the construction and demolition industry. The course is about managing stormwater impacts.
• The EPA's approach to managing stormwater quality from construction sites under both the existing environmental legislation and the new Protection of the Environment Operations Act, provides guidance to local councils on appropriate elements of a council's erosion and sediment control policy.

Motor Vehicle Industry

• A directory of environmental services and products is being prepared, in conjunction with the Motor Vehicle Industry Repair Council and all key motor vehicle industry associations: the Motor Traders' Association, the Service Station Association, the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers, the Auto Parts Recyclers Association and the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association.
• Training material is being prepared for the Automotive Industry, and will be incorporated into an environmental training package for TAFE Automotive Teachers. This material promotes awareness of the potential environmental impacts of motor vehicle repairers, dismantlers and panel beaters.

Horticulture

• An education package is being developed, similar to the EPA's Solutions to Pollution booklets, Environmental Information for Small Business, identifying environmental issues associated with stormwater run-off and ways nursery owners can improve their environmental performance. The material includes case study examples.
• Working with TAFE, teaching/learning resources are being developed to address stormwater management issues in wholesale/production nurseries for the horticulture industry, including runoff and pesticide solutions.