The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has recently prosecuted a builder for failing to install and maintain required sediment and erosion controls at multiple building sites in the ACT.
The company pleaded guilty to three offences under applicable environmental protection legislation relating to inadequate sediment control measures. The Court convicted the company and imposed a total fine of $5000 and court costs.
The offences arose from failures to implement or maintain appropriate sediment control measures designed to prevent soil, sediment and construction runoff from leaving building sites and entering the stormwater system. Such controls are critical to protecting local waterways, public infrastructure, and the broader environment from pollution and degradation.
The EPA undertakes regular inspections of construction sites to ensure builders meet their environmental obligations. Builders and developers are reminded that they must take all reasonable steps to prevent sediment runoff and comply with approved erosion and sediment control plans.
Please see link to the EPA Preventing pollution from residential building sites booklet https://files.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/files/environment-protection-guidelines/Preventing-Pollution-from-Residential-Building-Sites-Builders-Booklet.pdf for guidance on appropriate sediment controls for your sites.
For further information please contact the EPA on 132281 or email environment.protection@act.gov.au
