EPA fine shampoo company for Blackburn Lake foam spill

The Nunawading manufacturer responsible for a huge amount of foam that polluted Blackburn Lake in January has been fined.

The foam ran from the stormwater drain into Blackburn Lake.

The Nunawading manufacturer responsible for the huge amount of foam that polluted Blackburn Lake in January has been hit with a $8060 fine.

The chemical spill, which left neighbours furious and threatened wildlife and the environment, was the result of shampoo seeping from a 100-litre container into a stormwater drain on January 18.

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Environment Protection Authority Victoria officers, who investigated the incident after receiving multiple reports of foam in Blackburn Lake, discovered the chemicals had come from a Nunawading factory belonging to STN International Pty Ltd.

The foam ran from the stormwater drain into Blackburn Lake.

Officers insisted the company have a waste contractor remove the shampoo from the stormwater drain and Blackburn Lake immediately.

EPA metro region manager Dan Hunt said the foam had the potential to harm aquatic life in the lake.

“High levels of these surfactants can cause environmental damage to the freshwater environment,” he said.

Residents were highly concerned about the health of Blackburn Lake. Pictures: Rob Leeson.

“They can deprive fish and aquatic life of oxygen in the water and interfere with their metabolic processes.”

He said the company had since introduced measures to prevent future spills.

A STN International Pty Ltd spokesman told Whitehorse Leader the spill occurred accidentally when staff were loading a truck.

He said the staff had since undergone training in better handling practices and ways to manage incidents and that the company had worked closely with the EPA to rectify the spill.

Mr Hunt said the public’s concern about the lake’s contamination was vital to solving the issue.

“Thanks to these reports from the public, EPA officers were able to track down the source, hold the company to account and see their practices improved,” he said.

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“It’s important for EPA to hear about incidents like this as quickly as possible, as this gives us the best chance of uncovering the source of a spill.”

“Community members across Victoria are our best eyes and ears. If you think you’ve seen a pollution event, get in touch by calling 1300 EPA VIC.”