Stormwater Pollution

Stormwater Pollution

Stormwater pollution can be considered to be any substance other than water that enters the stormwater drains which pour directly into waterways.

The most common stormwater pollutants are:

	sediments (sand, soil, silt etc)
	litter (fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, bottles and cans)
	nutrients (fertiliser, pet droppings)
	toxins (like used motor oil, paint)

These pollutants are picked up in water (from rain, hoses, sprinklers, etc.), drains from streets, car parks, and lawns and enter local waterways. From there, this "toxic soup" flows through a system of pipes and open channels – directly into our waterways.

Anything dumped or dropped on the ground or in the gutter contributes to the pollution of stormwater .

Stormwater pollution and its effect on us and the environment.

Stormwater pollution is not only an environmental issue contributing to the degradation of aquatic habitats and the growth of algal blooms. It impacts on everyone in the community. For example, we rely on healthy waterways for recreational purposes as well as for economic purposes. Obviously, a decline in water quality would greatly affect the productivity and subsequent profitability of the important tourism and oyster industries.

Relevant Legislation

The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

The Protection of the Environment Operations Act (POEO) 1997 is the principal environmental legislation in NSW. It came into force in July 1999 and consolidates the key pollution statutes under a single Act.

Under the POEO Act it is an offence for any person to pollute any waters. ‘Pollution’ includes the introduction of anything (litter, wash water, oil debris, detergent, paint etc) into water. It includes placing anything where it may be blown or could fall into a drain, gutter or local waterway.

Under the POEO Act there are severe penalties that can be imposed for a range of environmental offences including water pollution. There are three types of environmental offences and associated penalties:

	Tier 1 offences (wilful or negligent) can attract penalties up to $1 million and 7 years in prison.
	The maximum penalties for tier 2 offences (reasonable mistake) include $250,000 in the case of a corporation and $120,000 in the case of an individual.
	Penalty infringement notices deal with tier 3 offences (relatively minor) and can impose a maximum penalty of $1500.

Occupiers, employers, and employees of businesses and industries all have the responsibility to report to either council or the EPA about any pollution incident which may harm the environment.

Litter Laws

The Local Government Act

The Local Government Act 1993 provides the legal framework for effective, efficient, environmentally responsible and open system of local government in NSW.

The Local Government Act 1993 gives Local Councils their rights and responsibilities. It controls all facets of Council activity and gives them much of their power to control activities in the Council area. It also imposes on Councils (and so their workers) some fairly specific environmental responsibilities. These include:

Section 7 The purposes of the Act are as follows:

"(a) to provide the legal framework for an effective, efficient, environmentally responsible and open system of local government in New South Wales,
(e) to require councils, Councillors and council employees to have regard to the principles of ecologically sustainable development in carrying out their responsibilities"

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Last Updated 31 August 2005