In a froth over suds

A BUBBLE break-out has left dishwashing liquid company PZ Cussons $5841 out of pocket for allowing bubbles to flow into Eumemmerring Creek.
The Dandenong company, which makes Morning Fresh, Imperial Leather and Radiant products, was fined by the Environmental Protection Authority. The leak was reported by concerned residents.
EPA Victoria’s Dandenong manager Susanna Young said EPA officers responding in July this year to local residents’ reports of foam in a drain in Swift Way, also found substantial amounts of foam in the business’s onsite stormwater pit and system.
“The likely cause is a failed trade waste pump which enabled waste to back up and subsequently overflow into the stormwater system,” Ms Young said.
“Trade waste pits were at high levels throughout the site and EPA officers witnessed foam leaving the site through a leaking sluice gate.”
Ms Young said PZ Cussons was aware of underlying onsite waste issues but had failed to actively monitor potential overflow or leakage into the stormwater.
“Our job is to ensure companies are acting responsibly within the parameters of their licence, and are held responsible when they jeopardise the environment as a result of poor business practices,” she said.
The company has since repaired the sluice gate and provided the EPA with an incident report.
Operations manager Dean Stephens said the company recognised and was committed to its environmental responsibilities in the local community and would continue to work hard to protect the environment.
The company has 28 days to pay the fine, seek a review or have the matter dealt with in court.