Information Sheet 3
Water Quality Management
Polluted waterways are bad for business
Most people in the boating industry are fully aware of the importance of the environment to their business. Pollution of waterways is bad for tourism and for boating. The boating and marina industry therefore has a vested interest in maintaining and improving the quality of our waterways by ensuring that its activities and those of its customers do not pollute the environment.
Unlike many other businesses, the activities of marinas, boatsheds and slipways are done on foreshores, rivers, bays and harbours and can immediately pollute waterways. Every activity must therefore be done in a way that protects the environment.
Contaminating or polluting waterways, whether intentionally or not, is against the law and can result in an On-the-spot fine or prosecution under the Environmental Offences and Penalties Act 1989. In addition, many activities - such as the unsafe removal of poisonous anti-fouling or lead-based paints - can be a major health hazard to people working in or visiting your facility, as well as to marine plant and animal life.
The information in this section is designed to complement the EPA's environmental guidelines on Best Management Practice for Marinas and Slipways. Copies of these guidelines are available from the EFA's Pollution Line.
Wastewater or stormwater?
Wastewater is any water used or contaminated in conducting your business activities. Wastewater from businesses contains pollutants such as sediment, particles and chemicals. Wastewater must not enter the waterways or stormwater system. It should be discharged to the sewerage system or to storage tanks.
Stormwater is rainwater that flows across outside surfaces into stormwater drains or directly into waterways. Stormwater should not contain pollutants.
What should you do to prevent water pollution?
｡?ake sure that all boat repairs and maintenance work are done on an impervious surface that cannot be inundated during high tide.
｡?egularly clean and maintain your work areas. Make sure that no particles or wastewater from cleaning or maintenance work falls or drains into stormwater, foreshores or the marine environment.
