If you read nothing else it's important that you read this
If you are a foundry owner, manager or operator you should:
- Make sure that waste material, litter, sand or any other matter is not swept or washed into gutters or drains. Keep the outside areas of your business free of litter, waste materials and other pollutants that could contaminate the stormwater system. (Refer to 'Stormwater Management'.)
- Store liquids in covered, bunded areas.
- Make sure that all floor washings and wastewater go to the sewer in accordance with trade wastewater requirements, and not to stormwater drains. (Refer to 'Trade Wastewater'.)
- Carry out a waste audit to identify any materials you are wasting, and how you could substitute materials, or reduce, reuse or recycle the wastes your processes are creating. (Refer to 'Waste Management'.)
- Reduce your impact on air quality by minimising and controlling fumes, vapour and odours from materials you use or produce in your processing or manufacturing procedures. You can do this by regularly maintaining air filtering and control devices. (Refer to 'Air Quality Management'.)
- Reduce noise coming from your premises. Internal noise can be a health issue for your staff, while external noise can be a significant annoyance, and cause for complaint by neighbours. (Refer to 'Noise Management'.)
- Be aware that most pollution offences carry penalities of up to $1 million (plus a daily penalty of up to $120,000 for continuing offences) for companies, or $250,000 (plus a daily penalty of up to $60,000 for continuing offences) for individuals. (Refer to Environmental Legislation)
- Be aware that even very minor breaches of environmental laws can result in on-the-spot fines of $1500 for companies and $750 for individuals.
Page last updated: 25 September 2012
