Failing to manage the discharge of sewage from the Bridge Inn Hotel in Mernda has landed VicSound Pty Ltd an EPA Victoria fine.

EPA environmental performance manager Peter Tange said samples taken during a compliance inspection of the site in March this year, were excessively high in e.coli. The samples were taken from a discharge point, which leads into the stormwater system.

“Increases in the organic load can threaten aquatic life in our waterways and overtime can reduce habitat.”

Mr Tange said the company’s licence required appropriate management in the treatment and discharge of its wastewater.

“This has not been evident in the operations on site. It is important that companies ensure their treatment facilities are operating effectively and are well maintained. Companies also need to make themselves aware of what their licence requirements are and understand that if they don’t action them they may face penalties.

“In this case training undertaken by the company has since given them an understanding of how the treatment plant works and what the rules are.”

The company has 28 days to pay the $5671 fine, seek an internal review or have the matter dealt with in court.

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