Trade Waste Agreement YVW: What You Need to Know
Trade waste is generated by businesses and commercial establishments, and it can have harmful effects on the environment if not properly managed. Trade waste includes any liquid or solid waste that is discharged from a business premise into the sewer system. To address this issue, trade waste agreements have been implemented by water authorities such as Yarra Valley Water (YVW).
If you`re a business owner in the YVW service area, it`s important for you to understand what the trade waste agreement is and how it affects you.
What is a trade waste agreement?
A trade waste agreement is a legal contract between a water authority and a business that outlines the terms and conditions for the discharge of trade waste. The purpose of the agreement is to protect the sewer system, and ultimately the environment, from the harmful effects of trade waste.
In Victoria, trade waste agreements are regulated by the Victorian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The EPA sets guidelines and standards for the discharge of trade waste and monitors compliance with these standards.
Why do businesses need a trade waste agreement?
Businesses generate a variety of waste streams that can be harmful to the environment if not properly managed. These waste streams include chemicals, grease, oil, and other pollutants that can damage the sewer system and pollute waterways.
A trade waste agreement ensures that businesses discharge their waste in a way that meets EPA standards and protects the environment. It also provides a framework for monitoring and enforcing compliance with these standards.
What are the requirements of the YVW trade waste agreement?
The YVW trade waste agreement sets out the requirements for businesses in the YVW service area that discharge trade waste. These requirements include:
– Registration: Businesses that generate trade waste must register with YVW and obtain a trade waste agreement.
– Compliance with EPA standards: Businesses must comply with the EPA guidelines and standards for the discharge of trade waste.
– Monitoring and reporting: Businesses must install and maintain monitoring equipment to measure the volume and quality of their trade waste. They must also submit regular reports to YVW.
– Payment of fees: Businesses are charged a fee for the treatment of their trade waste.
– Penalties for non-compliance: Businesses that do not comply with the requirements of the trade waste agreement may be subject to penalties, including fines and suspension of services.
How can businesses ensure compliance with the trade waste agreement?
To ensure compliance with the YVW trade waste agreement, businesses should:
– Implement a trade waste management plan: This plan should outline how the business will manage its trade waste, including the types of waste generated, how it will be collected and stored, and how it will be disposed of.
– Install and maintain monitoring equipment: This equipment should measure the volume and quality of the trade waste and be regularly maintained and calibrated.
– Train staff: Staff should be trained on how to manage and dispose of trade waste in compliance with the trade waste agreement.
– Submit regular reports: Reports should be submitted to YVW on a regular basis, as required by the trade waste agreement.
Conclusion
The YVW trade waste agreement is an important tool in managing trade waste generated by businesses in the YVW service area. By ensuring compliance with EPA standards and providing a framework for monitoring and enforcement, the trade waste agreement protects the environment and the sewer system.
Businesses that generate trade waste must register with YVW and comply with the requirements of the trade waste agreement, including installation and maintenance of monitoring equipment, submission of regular reports, and payment of fees. By implementing a trade waste management plan and training staff, businesses can ensure compliance and avoid penalties.