Oil and grease in storm water drains pollutes waterways and results in dying fish, algae overgrowth and unsafe swimming conditions in creeks, lakes and rivers. Photo: Supplied.
A Garema Place restaurant has been fined $875 for pouring oil and grease into a storm water drain.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is warning food businesses not to dump waste into storm water drains, saying inspections will be ongoing.
The EPA says pouring oil and grease down storm water drains pollutes waterways and results in dying fish, algae overgrowth and unsafe swimming conditions in creeks, lakes and rivers.
The EPA’s Narelle Sargent said the only thing that should be going down storm water drains was storm water.
She said that in May 2018 and November 2018 officers from the EPA and Health Protection Services undertook audits of food businesses focusing on kitchen maintenance, clearing facilities and points of entry into storm water.
“The EPA will continue to undertake proactive audits of businesses and activities that pose a risk to the environment including building and construction sites and food businesses,” she said.
“We all have a duty to protect the environment. A clean and safe environment leads to better health and prosperity for all.”
She urged members of the public to report pollution to the EPA via Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
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