Light industry program

Discharges to the environment are regulated under state and local laws. At the inspection, our officers will assess your compliance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and associated regulations, including:

• Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004
• Environmental Protection (Controlled Waste) Regulations 2004
• Environmental Protection (Abrasive Blasting) Regulations 1998
• Environmental Protection (Fibre Reinforced Plastics) Regulations 1998
• Environmental Protection (Metal Coating) Regulations 2001
• Environmental Protection Regulations 1987.

Copies of Western Australian legislation are available at the Western Australian Legislation website. 

Local government laws may also apply to your activities. Contact your local government authority.

It is your responsibility to prevent unauthorised discharges from your business to the environment. Actions required to minimise the risk of unauthorised discharge include:

• Storing liquids, chemicals, oily or contaminated materials in protected undercover areas, away from high traffic areas.
• Storing substances in water-resistant, bunded enclosures. This allows leaks or spills to be cleaned up before they can escape into other areas of the workplace or environment.
• Storing waste bins with their lids closed to protect them from rain.
• Storing used containers inside (not outside), with their lids securely fastened.
• Washing down vehicles and contaminated parts in dedicated, self-contained washdown bays or enclosures. Wastewater, along with wash water from mopping or hosing down workshop floors, and cooling system overflow/bleed off, should be recycled or disposed of through an authorised wastewater disposal system.
• Conducting potentially contaminating processes inside a building in a bunded workshop or booth where possible. Materials and equipment should also be stored inside. If there is an accidental discharge of a contaminating material, the chances of it entering the environment are greatly reduced if the activity is being conducted indoors.

Make sure spill kits, drain blockers and other emergency clean up equipment are located close to where discharges may occur. Ensure your staff are trained and know how to use this equipment. A quick response to an accidental discharge can greatly minimise the impact and exposure of the discharge to the environment.

Discharges of waste likely to cause pollution or environmental harm must be reported as soon as is practicable to the department through our Pollution Watch service and to your local government authority.

The information provided here is designed to help you equip your workplace and implement environmentally sound practices.