NT EPA Chair Dr Bill Freeland is urging all industries to be aware of their environmental responsibilities this Wet Season.

“The rains seem to have started early this year with some parts of the Territory having already received heavy rainfalls,” Dr Freeland said.

“That’s why it’s important for industries to be conscious of their environmental responsibilities before, during and after a rain event.

“Everyone has a general environmental duty under the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act to prevent or minimise harm and it’s incumbent upon industries in particular to have proper processes and plans in place should it rain.

“This means ensuring water inventories, erosion and sediment control measures, bunding, planned discharges to the environment or any other activities vulnerable to rainfall and storm damage don’t put the environment at risk.

“The NT EPA has already begun investigations into a rain initiated event in Darwin that could have been prevented through better planning.”

Anyone needing advice or assistance on what their environmental obligations are can contact the NT EPA on 89244218 or emailing ntepa@nt.gov.au

Pollution reporting can be made to the Pollution Hotline on 1800 064 567 or via the website https://ntepa.nt.gov.au/waste-pollution/hotline

Ends

Media – for further information contact Edwin Edlund 0437 915 366

Issued: 10am Wednesday, 28 September 2016