June-July 2020
Read how the bushfire clean-up is making headway and Fiona Einfalt, whose family is planning to rebuild on the south coast, tells her story. Also in this edition, from gin to hygiene, see how the EPA is helping keep new production lines for hand sanitisers safe, and find top tips on what to do if you see, hear or smell pollution.
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From the CEO
Welcome to the latest edition of EPA Connect. The work of the EPA hasn’t stopped over the past few months during COVID-19, quite the opposite in fact and I’m grateful to our staff who continue to safely work with our stakeholders, undertake site visits and inspections, and respond to incidents.
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Renewal - bushfire clean-up making headway
As clean-up takes place across several bushfire-affected communities in NSW, the EPA is providing support and expert advice. EPA Connect caught up with a member of the Laing O'Rourke team and a property owner for this special report.
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From gin to hygiene- keeping hand sanitisers safe
EPA and Safework worked together to stop hand sanitisers catching fire, ensuring that stringent safety guidelines are in place for the sanitisers' safe production and distribution during the rapid increase in demand due to COVID-19.
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Record number have their say on waste and plastics
The EPA was pleased to see a massive response on the future of waste, recycling and plastics in NSW. Over 16,000 Plastics Plan surveys were completed and submissions were received from all sections of the community.
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EPA monitors forestry operations
EPA officers are actively monitoring forestry operations in north and south NSW, including checking that conditions imposed to protect the environment post bushfires, are being complied with by Forestry Corporation of NSW.
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Dob in a dodgy dumper
We saw a 34 per cent increase in reports of illegal dumping incidents in April across NSW, most likely due to the change in community practice during COVID-19.
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The Big Picture - around the regions
In this edition of EPA Connect we start a round-up of things happening around the state from a sunken barge rescue in the north to a rapid response to a solvent spill in the south.
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Tips on what to do if you see, hear or smell pollution
Reports from the community can play an important role in investigating pollution incidents. These can include air, noise, water and waste issues. Follow these tips to report pollution in a safe and lawful way.
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News Round
Welcome to EPA Connect’s information marketplace with news of events, grants, community outreach and other EPA activities, including Plastic Free July.
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Regulation in action
From 1 January to 31 May 2020, EPA prosecutions for non-compliance and other environmental offences realised $65,400 in fines and over $102million in environmental incentive programs. Here we feature some case snapshots and the latest action table