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An asphalt processing plant in Springvale has been fined over illegally spilling oil into a local waterway.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) fined Fulton Hogan Industries Pty Ltd $8060 over the spillage into Mile Creek.
EPA southern metro manager Marleen Mathias said an oil heater at the site boiled over causing a discharge into a stormwater system leading to the creek.
“Sampling by EPA officers confirmed that Mile Creek was impacted by oil and it had come from Fulton Hogan’s Springvale premises,” Ms Mathias said.
“Oil affects aquatic life in waterways by reducing oxygen levels. It directly smothers anything living in the waterway and creates a toxic environment in water.”
The business responded immediately by reporting the matter to the EPA and installing booms in the creek to prevent further spread of the oil, Ms Mathias said.
“The company also engaged a contractor to remove oil from the creek and the stormwater drainage system.
“(It) has since taken remedial action by sealing the onsite stormwater drainage pit where the spill entered and are installing containment controls around the oil heater to prevent any future spills of this kind.”
