The waste water on October 6.
Camera IconThe waste water on October 6. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of Bayswater investigating illegal dumping of waste water by contractor

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

THE City of Bayswater is investigating the illegal dumping of waste water outside Meltham Motors Car Craft on Whatley Crescent at the weekend.

Bayswater resident Charlie Bellamy said he saw a contractor dumping black waste water into the local storm system at 9am on October 6.

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Meltham Motors Car Craft director Viv Ellis said the company had engaged a contractor to responsibly remove and dispose waste water from the detailing area, but he did not dispose of it correctly.

“Meltham Motors Car Craft was led to believe the waste water would be removed responsibly, however he did not carry out the process as he said he would,” she said.

Under the Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharge) Regulations 2004, the discharge of prohibited materials carries a maximum penalty of $5000.

Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull said the dumping of unauthorised into waterways was illegal and something the City took very seriously.

The waste water on October 6.
Camera IconThe waste water on October 6. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“We have put a lot of effort into revitalising our drainage sites to help improve the quality of water flowing into the Swan River, and it is disappointing to see such a careless act undermine this work,” he said.

“Pollutants can significantly impact water quality and damage plants and marine life.

“This sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable.”

Cr Bull said City officers were able to limit the potential impact on the environment by responding immediately.

“City officers placed sand over the liquid to stop its flow and have since brought in a machine to remove the material that made its way into the drain,” he said.

“We have now placed absorbent material into the drain to capture any residue that could be washed in by the rain.

“We are currently investigating this matter and intend to pursue enforcement action and recover associated costs.”

There have been 14 complaints to the City relating to unauthorised discharges in 2018.

Ms Ellis said the contractor had taken full responsibility for the actions he took.

“Meltham Motors Car Craft has received a letter from the contractor taking full responsibility for his actions,” she said.

“Meltham Motors has been part of the community for many years repairing thousands of local vehicles and deeply regrets the actions of the contractor involved.”

Ms Ellis forwarded the letter sent from contractor Kenilworth Contracting’s Dave Maguire to the Reporter.

In the letter, Mr Maguire said he was responsible for the work carried out on October 6 and the scope of works were organised by him and not Meltham Motors Car Craft.

Mr Maguire declined to comment.