Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Dump Industrial Waste Down Drains

What you're looking at is a photo of Dandenong Creek in Melbourne's southeast. All that fun-looking foam blowing around in the wind is actually a major problem, because it's some kind industrial detergent that's been washed into the creek via a stormwater drain. And, as you'd assume, detergents are bad news for the creek's flora and fauna, as well as for all the marine life living in Port Phillip Bay, where the waste will invariably end up.

But the most frustrating part is that this has happened several times already, and one environmental scientist thinks someone is using the area's storm water drains as a cost-free way to dump toxic chemicals.

"It's not an isolated incident," Bio2Lab principal scientist David Sharley told Fairfax. "It's just that this is by far the biggest and most spectacular.”

Sharley says this is the fourth time it's happened since November, and his agency is making progress in catching the culprit/s. His theory is that a local business, or perhaps several, is cutting corners by pouring waste into a local drain, rather than paying for its proper disposal. He describes the mess as "environmental vandalism."

"I’m just flabbergasted as to the volume that must have been put into the system," he told Fairfax reporter Joe Hinchliffe. "We're talking, I reckon, drums—44-gallon drums—that type of volume."

Sharley says that via a combination of chemical analysis and man-hole sampling they're likely to find the culprit. One clue they already have is that chemical spills seem to be happening on weekends.

"This is the opportunity to really make a public announcement that this type of blatant polluting of the environment cannot keep going on," he said. "I hope that someone is made accountable for this and in a big way."

People found guilty of such an offence can face court prosecution and fines up to $8,000. And, if you see anything like this, or know anything about this particular case, you can contact the Environmental Protection Authority on 1300 EPA VIC.