Introduction to the ‘Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997’

This Act is the main piece of environmental legislation covering water, land, air and noise pollution and waste management in NSW. In some cases, breaking environmental law carries serious penalties and even minor accidents can result in prosecution and penalties.

Therefore, everyone in your business (including owners, managers, supervisors, operators, contractors and sub-contractors) needs to be aware of the environmental laws that apply to your operations and are required to minimize risk of an environmental incident by implementing precautionary and control measures. This is where we can help!

By gaining awareness of environmental laws and how your business has the potential to affect the environment, you will be in a better position to manage risk in your business. In most instances, Chatoyer’s spill kit solutions will ensure you remain environmentally compliant with the standards set by the EPA, equipping you with the necessary means of absorbing and containing various spills. However you may also require bunding and containment products, dangerous good storage or various storm water management products.

To ensure your site remains environmentally compliant, contact one of our friendly support staff today on 1300 880 623 to discuss your circumstances or email your needs to sales@chatoyer.com.au.

(This information has been sourced via the NSW Government’s Department of Environment and Climate change. For more detailed information visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au) 

Water pollution

Under section 120 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, it is illegal to pollute or cause or permit pollution of waters. Under the Act, ‘water pollution’ includes introducing litter, sediment, oil, grease, wash water, debris, and flammable liquids such as paint, etc. into waters or placing such material where it is likely to be washed or blown into wasters, storm water systems or percolate into groundwater.

PENALTIES
An individual guilty of water pollution under section 120 of the POEO Act may be fined up to $250,000 plus up to $60,000 per day for a continuing offence.

Therefore, it is essential that you take all practicable steps to ensure that unforeseen events, such as spills or leaks, do not result in polluted water entering the storm water system or groundwater.

How we can help you!
1. Click here for information regarding the REVOLUTIONARY SPILMAX DRAINSAFE
2. Click here for information regarding Chatoyer’s SPILL KIT SOLUTIONS

(This information has been sourced via the NSW Government’s Department of Environment and Climate change. For more detailed information visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au)

Hazardous materials and waste

When handling hazardous materials and waste, keep in mind that it is an offence to cause any substance to leak, spill or otherwise escape in a manner that harms or is likely to harm the environment under section 116 of the POEO Act.

PENALITIES
The most serious offences are willful breaches of the law that harm or are likely to harm the environment. These carry penalties of up to $5 million for a company or $1 million for an individual and/or seven years imprisonment.

Most other offences carry penalties 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.

Therefore, make sure you’re aware of the legal requirements before using, storing, transporting and disposing of hazardous materials (e.g. dangerous goods and chemicals).

How we can help you!
1. Click here for information regarding BUNDING AND CONTAINMENT products
2. Click here for information regarding DANGEROUS GOODS STORAGE UNITS

(This information has been sourced via the NSW Government’s Department of Environment and Climate change. For more detailed information visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au)