NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

We have completed a radiation certification compliance campaign, checking medical practices are meeting safety standards and their obligations under the Protection from Harmful Radiation Act. EPA officers inspected 60 medical practices across metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW between January and April 2024, including hospitals, radiology practices, and dental clinics using radiation-regulated materials. As a result of breaches identified, we issued 36 medical practices with advisory letters or formal warnings. A Sydney dental practice also received four fines totalling $3000 and an official warning after the practitioner continued using X-ray units without a valid licence. All medical practices have now addressed the concerns and breaches. This campaign reinforces our commitment to protecting public health and the environment by ensuring radiation units are operated safely and in compliance with legislation. For more information about our regulatory role, visit the NSW EPA website: https://lnkd.in/gXDdTWzq #NSWEPA #RadiationSafety #Compliance #PublicHealth #RadiationProtection Jason Gordon

We're busting common asbestos myths. Before you start your next DIY or renovation project, use this planning checklist to help protect you and your family. And if in doubt, get a licensed asbestos professional. Let's speak up about the dangers this National Asbestos Awareness Week. The Asbestos Awareness campaign is a NSW Government initiative, delivered by the EPA. https://lnkd.in/gXw5PxS9 #Asbestos #NSWEPA #NationalAsbestosAwarenessWeek

We have launched Nature Hates A Tosser - a new NSW Government campaign reminding everyone that the rubbish that starts on our streets ends up in our rivers, waterways and oceans. Sadly, up to 90 per cent of seabirds have eaten plastic, and every sea turtle examined in a 2018 study had ingested plastic particles. The campaign is based on world-leading behaviour change research and features Australian icons like the magpie and green sea turtle, calling on everyone to take personal responsibility for their rubbish. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gWiDuSKB Sandra Sully AM Mikayla Fanto Taronga Conservation Society Australia Annii Downing Network 10 Tony Chappel Alexandra Geddes Sam Lewis

We've secured an Enforceable Undertaking worth more than $740,000 from BOC South Pacific (BOC Limited) following an alleged spill of over 2,000 litres of turbine oil at its Cringila facility in 2023. This undertaking delivers real benefits for the Illawarra community:  - $300,000 for a Wollongong City Council-led project to improve water quality at Coomaditchie Lagoon, a culturally significant and nationally listed wetland.  - $168,000 in site upgrades to prevent future spills.  - $273,000 to cover clean-up and other costs. The lagoon project will include water quality monitoring, solar-powered aerators, and habitat restoration in collaboration with local Aboriginal groups. We know the community expects strong action when the environment is at risk. This response ensures accountability and long-term protection for local waterways and wildlife, including the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog. Find out more - https://lnkd.in/gZ6qWMnQ  

Children’s coloured sand products sold at retailers Kmart, Target and Officeworks are subject to a voluntary recall due to concerns they may contain low levels of asbestos. If families, schools or childcare centres have any of these products, you should: - stop using the products immediately - put them in 2 heavy duty plastic bags and tape securely - store in a secure location while waiting for further disposal advice. For more information: https://lnkd.in/gr53HyjX

Congratulations to all our SHINE Award winners! Today we celebrated and recognised the incredible individuals and teams at the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) who go above and beyond to deliver meaningful outcomes for our environment and communities. Our annual employee recognition event showcases the passion, dedication and quality of work our people bring every single day. Congratulations again to all our winners and to everyone nominated! Tony Chappel Carolyn Walsh Linda Scott (GAICD) Vanessa Grimm

It’s National Skin Cancer Action Week and an important time to remind people of the dangers of excessive exposure to UV radiation. Did you know it is illegal in NSW to operate or provide the use of a UV tanning unit for fee or reward? These laws were strengthened earlier this year to make it illegal to offer this service for fee and reward, including on social media. On the spot fines have also significantly increased, and courts can hand down maximum fines of $27,500 for individuals and $55,000 for businesses. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gXZP53jS

NSW is leading national action on plastics thanks to the second phase of a bold new plan. The NSW Plastics Plan 2.0 introduces a range of reforms to reduce waste and littering, protecting public health and keeping plastic out of landfill and the environment. Under the Plan, highly littered problem plastics such as takeaway bowls with lids, sushi trays and soy sauce fish bottles will be redesigned to be recyclable. Non-compostable plastic fruit and vegetable stickers and non-recyclable plastic bags, condiment containers and takeaway containers will be phased out in favour of recyclable options. We are also banning the release of lighter-than-air (helium) balloons that pollute waterways and harm wildlife, driving reuse for single-use cups, and introducing tethered lids for plastic bottles. Plastic makes up around 74% per cent of litter in our waterways. Currently, less than 16% of plastic waste is recycled in NSW, with the remainder taking up valuable space in landfill. The new measures will phase out unnecessary and non-recyclable packaging, regulate harmful chemical additives in plastics and drive investment in recycling. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gUTtihRh #NSWEPA #PlasticsPlan #Recycling #Litter

Ever wondered where your FOGO waste ends up? 🍌 In Wollongong, every food scrap collected since 2021 has been transformed into nutrient-rich compost. This process is fuelling tiny forests, freeing up landfill space and helping ecosystems thrive. That's waste turned into opportunity! 🌱