Environmental Protection
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Stormwater Pollution
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is the rain water that flows across streets, gardens and roads into stormwater drains and gutters in the street.
Material that enters the stormwater drains does not get treated and flows directly to creeks, lakes, rivers and the sea.
As a rule, only rain water that is clean and free of contaminants can enter the stormwater system.
- Leaves, garden clippings and other materials must swept up and disposed of into a domestic waste bin.
- Swimming pool water (particularly back wash water) must be directed to sewer.
- Cars, boats and trailers must be washed on grassed or other areas that allow the washwater to soak into the ground, or be redirected to sewer.
- Spillsafe Mats are available for hire at the Council for community groups without specific car washing facilities.
Council is Cracking Down on Messy Building Sites
Builders, contractors and developers who consistently fail to observe environmental standards or cause environmental harm on building sites will be penalised.
Stormwater can be easily polluted by building waste and debris that is allowed to spill over on the roads.
Under the Environment Protection Water Quality Policy (2003) it is offence to discharge or dispose of listed pollutants into waterways, including the stormwater system. All building construction wastes are regarded as listed pollutants. This includes rubbish, soil, clay and liquid waste.
 Pollution from building sites causes an array of environmental problems including: reduced water quality in local waterways like the Field River, blocked stormwater drains and litter.
Council officers have stepped up their spot checks of building sites and offences can attract a $300 fine and a prosecution for repeat offenders.
Click here for further information on stormwater management for business and industry.
For information on Environment Protection issues, please visit the EPA website:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/epa/pub.html#Information_Sheets
For further information please contact
an Environmental Health Officer on 8375 6600 or by email council@marion.sa.gov.au
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