Environmental health officer Ashraf Hoglin and programs officer Lara Saunder help clean up the Canning River.
Camera IconEnvironmental health officer Ashraf Hoglin and programs officer Lara Saunder help clean up the Canning River. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson        www.communitypix.com.au d447037

Gosnells and Department of Environment Regulation are keeping our river clean

Francis CurroComment News

The City of Gosnells has joined the State Government’s 2015-17 Light Industry Program in an effort to reduce pollutants entering local waterways.

The program is a joint initiative of the DER and Department of Parks and Wildlife, and is particularly relevant to the City, which includes a portion of the Canning River and Bickley Brook.

Metals, hydrocarbons, paints, degreasers and detergents were some of the things that were being dumped in the waterways.

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City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle said education was the key.

“There are many businesses in the City’s light industrial area that will benefit from this program,” she said.

“Many businesses have already shown an eagerness to do the right thing, so we’re expecting very positive results from this program.”

DER light industry support programs officer Lara Saunder said it was about dispensing with chemicals the right way.

“Our work here is so important; it’s all about ensuring the local waterways are as healthy as they can be,” she said.

“Obviously our inspections help identify any improvement areas but we’re also providing advice to local businesses on the right ways to store and dispose of waste and chemicals.”

Audits will be conducted over the next two years and business owners and staff will be provided with information about environmentally acceptable practices as well as advice to avoid breaches.

The program is funded by a Commonwealth Government National Landcare grant.