Infrastructure construction industry urged to be a good neighbour during construction

With unprecedented levels of road, rail and light rail construction underway across Sydney, the launch of the “good neighbour” initiative at the EPA’s first infrastructure construction forum in late November was a timely reminder to construction contractors of the importance of minimising impacts on residents.

A joint initiative between the EPA and the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), the good neighbour program will target compliance actions based on the analysis of community complaints and site inspection data from all major transport and infrastructure projects to identify the high-risk project types and project stages that generate high levels of community concern.

The EPA and DPE have a concurrent regulatory role in helping to manage impacts associated with infrastructure construction. The EPA takes the lead on matters like noise and dust through environment protection licence conditions, while DPE regulates construction traffic management and property damage under planning approval conditions.

Joint compliance inspections are due to be carried out in early 2018.

Crackdown on car hoons

Two recent joint enforcement operations between the EPA, NSW Police and Roads and Maritime Services, at La Perouse in late November and early December saw a total of $8,000 in fines issued to drivers for noise and pollution related offences, vehicle defects and illegal modifications.

The first operation involved 17 vehicle inspections, with 11 penalty notices and 12 defective vehicle notices issued.  A silver Mitsubishi Lancer Evo driver was fined $1,100 for emitting exhaust noise over the legal limit and modifying a vehicle to be used without a catalytic converter, an emission control device.

The second operation involved 18 vehicle inspections with $3,500 in fines, two official cautions and 15 defective vehicles notices issued.

Up to 20 state-wide joint compliance operations are run every year to target excessive car noise at known hotspots.

Noisy vehicles can be reported online, by using Report to EPA from a mobile device, or through the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.

Save energy this summer

Now that summer has arrived it is important to remember that simple inexpensive actions and small changes to how we use energy at home and at work can help to protect the environment and save money. This is particularly important during heatwaves when there is additional pressure placed on the energy system.

Tips for saving energy:

• Switch off non-essential lights, appliances and office equipment
• Shut down computers at the end of each day
• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day
• Close external doors and windows during the day
• Close doors to unused rooms
• Turn off ceiling fans when you leave a room – fans cool people, not rooms
• Turn off cooling systems at night
• Use outside air to cool and naturally ventilate your home at night (if the night is cooler). 

Together we can reduce our use.

The Office of Environment and Heritage has more information on energy savings.