A poultry business has been fined more than $5000 by the EPA after waste water riddled with bacteria was found in a drain across the road from a primary school.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) investigated B&R Poultry Pty Ltd in March this year after it was contacted by concerned members of the public.
The agriculture business, which provides a range of poultry services such as slat and pallet washing, is located in Nobility St, less than 2km away from Moolap Primary School.
EPA southwest regional manager Carolyn Francis said waste water from the business was found in an open roadside drain after travelling through a storm water drain opposite the primary school.
“(Officers) took samples of the discharging wastewater for analysis and found high levels of E. coli … that indicate the presence of animal droppings and that can cause a risk to public health,” she said.
According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to E. coli bacteria can result in abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever and vomiting.
Young children have a higher risk of developing severe symptoms when exposed to E. coli.
In 2022, EPA officers discovered similar issues with the business’ waste practices and it was issued a remedial notice which is a warning and details how the business can resolve the issue.
The “failure to maintain good practices” has led to the business receiving a fine of $5,548.
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The EPA said B&R Poultry has implemented temporary solutions until a longer term solution to the issue is put into place.
EPA officers will continue to monitor the business’ compliance.
Ms Francis said leaks and spills entering water ways via stormwater drains was “an all-too-common problem”.
“EPA conducted snap inspections of a number of businesses in the Moolap area less than two weeks ago,” she said.
“The General Environmental Duty built into the Environment Protection Act makes it every Victorian’s responsibility to take reasonable actions prevent pollution, and all businesses should take cases like this as a reminder to make sure their own premises cause leaks or spills.”
Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the operator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.
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