Air Pollution

Dust

Complaints about dust may be referred to either the Council's Environmental Health Unit or the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The EPA can be contacted on 8204 2000.

The appropriate authority for administering the matter will be determined by the nature of the complaint.

Council's Environmental Health Unit will assess any dust complaints and advise the complainant of the actions taken (i.e. Council to handle or referral to EPA).

To reduce dust, some simple steps can be taken:

• Defer earth works and other dust creating activities (where possible) to avoid hot windy days.
• Water may be used for dust suppression and compaction however it must be applied with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or sprayed directly from a specified water truck.

 

Industry

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is responsible for addressing issues of air pollution (e.g. odour, smoke, etc.) caused by industry. Residents should in the first instance contact the EPA on 8204 2000.

Council's Environmental Health Unit can log complaints directly onto the EPA's complaints system for residents, acting as a referral agency.

 

Spray Painting

Council's Environmental Health Unit can assess complaints received about spray painting, degreasing sprays, fibre glassing or other offensive activities on domestic premises. An Environmental Health officer may direct that an activity found to impact neighbours be ceased or modified.

Spray painting involving large jobs (e.g. painting a car) must be conducted on a premises with an appropriate fitted exhaust system that meets the Environment Protection Authority's requirements. Such exhaust systems are not compatible with residential areas and therefore spray painting of this nature is not acceptable in these areas.