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​​​​The City of Canterbury Bankstown has numerous r​ivers, creeks and waterways in which we love to swim, fish and boat. When it rains, the stormwater collects any material or pollutant on the ground which enters the closest stormwater drain and then discharges to a river or creek. Common sources of water pollution include litter, construction site runoff, paint, oil, chemicals and sewerage. ​

Ways to prevent water pollution at home include:

• Washing your car on the lawn or using a commercial carwash. Don't let detergents go down the stormwater drain;
• Picking up rubbish around your property and street;
• Collecting lawn clippings and leaves from the road or footpath an putting them in the green bin;
• Putting cigarette butts in the bin; and
• Picking up dog droppings.

Ways to prevent water pollution at work include:

• Storing liquids and chemicals under cover and in a bunded (contained) area;
• Carrying out work involving oils and fluids indoors and in a contained area;
• Ensuring that you have approval from Sydney Water to discharge commercial or industrial waste to the sewer;
• Maintaining all pollution control devices (for example grease traps); and
• Implementing pollution prevention measures at building sites.

The Protection of the Environment Op​erations Act 1997 provides regulatory measures to control water pollution and is enforced by Council's Environmental Health and Compliance Officers.

Council also conducts environmental audits of commercial and industrial premises to ensure these businesses meet environmental standards.  ​

Underground Petrole​um Storage Systems (UPSS)

Each council acts as the regulator for Underground Petroleum Storage Systems (UPSS) in their Local Government Areas.

As of 1 September 2019, the City of Canterbury Bankstown is responsible for more than 100 UPSS sites in our city, most of which are service stations with a small number of depots and golf courses.

Licensed premises and public authorities within our city remain the responsibility of the NSW Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

Owners of UPSS are required to comply with relevant provisions of the UPSS Regulation 2019, the POEO Act 1997 and relevant Australian Standards.

This includes becoming aware of a pollution incident and notifying Council within 7 days. Download the Leak Notification Form.

For more information about UPSS, see the below frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions​

What is an Underground Petroleum Storage System (UPSS)?
A UPSS is the entire system of underground tanks, pipes, valves and other equipment designed to store and handle petroleum products.

What is Council doing to ensure these systems are safe?
We are conducting a proactive environmental inspection program targeting all UPSS stations in our city. As the Appropriate Regulatory Authority (ARA) as of 1 September 2019, Council will conduct inspections of all UPSS, starting in 2020.

I am a business owner with a UPSS, what do I do if there is a problem?
Contact Emergency Services immediately. After immediate danger has passed, notify Council within 7 days using the Leak Notification Form.

I am a member of the public, what can I do if I have a complaint regarding a UPSS?
Community complaints regarding UPSS will be investigated. Council has the authority to conduct regulatory inspections or a full site audits where necessary.

Who can I contact at Council for more information?
Contact Council's Environmental Compliance and Protection Team Leader on 9789 9376 or Paul.Choueiri.cbcity.nsw.gov.au​. ​

More inform​ation

For further information about water pollution, please contact the NSW Environment Protection Authority on 131 555 or refer to EPA website​.

Contact 

If you would like Council to investigate an water pollution incident, or for further information, ​contact Council's Environmental Health and Compliance Unit on 9707 9000.