Businesses urged not to drain the health of waterways with dirty runoff

NSW Environment Protection Authority CEO Tracy Mackey said today each small action taken at industrial sites could have a direct impact on water quality in the nearby Molonglo and Queanbeyan rivers, and the fish, platypus and birdlife that depend on the catchment.

“The health of the waterways relies on everyone doing their bit to make a difference. Dirty and polluted stormwater and runoff from industrial areas can harm local animal populations, and habitat for platypus specifically.

“A little bit of pollution from each site can collectively have a big impact,” Ms Mackey said.

“Small changes by every business can make a difference and help to ensure our rivers are kept clean. The message is very simple – make sure only rain goes down your drain.”

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has joined the EPA to conduct a joint education campaign in the East Queanbeyan light industrial area to encourage industry and businesses to improve the quality of stormwater discharged to the Molonglo and Queanbeyan rivers.

EPA and council officers will focus on explaining best practice bunding capture for chemical storage, the importance of dedicated washdown areas that don’t flow into stormwater drains and other tips on how to stop the discharge of polluted runoff.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Mayor Tim Overall said the health of the catchment was important to all residents, with recent platypus surveys along the river attracting large numbers of community volunteers to help spot and count the often shy mammals. The council collects sightings of platypus and rakali as part of its citizen science monitoring and monitors catchment water quality closely.

The Molonglo Conservation Group said between Molonglo Gorge and Lake Burley Griffin, the Molonglo River has good water quality and is home to threatened species such as the Murray cod and platypus.

“It’s important that this part of the river is not overwhelmed by nutrient runoff, chemicals or rubbish that can come through in the stormwater from the adjacent urban and industrial areas,” said Molonglo Conservation Group President Karen Williams.

“Stormwater debris and nutrient runoff impacts on water quality by increasing algal blooms that reduce oxygen levels in the water. Chemical runoff can have disastrous impacts for aquatic species.”

Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch facilitator Woo O’Reilly said stopping pollution and litter reaching the waterways was also critical, as even small littered items like rubber bands and hair ties that wash down drains could have a deadly impact on platypus.

“They forage with their bills with their eyes closed and just don’t see this sort of litter which can get caught around them,”’ Ms O’Reilly said.

“Water bug populations are also a good indicator of water quality. Platypus eat a third of their body weight in water bugs each day, so keeping the waterways healthy is critical.”

More information on best practice stormwater management is available on the EPA website.