Environment Policy
Purpose
To manage Melbourne Water’s activities, maximising net environmental benefits to society and promoting a sustainable water future.
Scope
This Policy is consistent with Melbourne Water’s Strategic Framework - Working together to ensure a sustainable water future and it applies to Melbourne Water employees and contractors where appropriate.
Definitions
Natural Environment - The natural surroundings of Melbourne Water activities including plants, animals and the habitats they exist in.
Risk Considerations
Natural Environment is a business focus area for Melbourne Water. Some environmental risks are managed through regulated requirements and some are not. Melbourne Water will address both types of risk in the performance of its role.
Background
Melbourne Water’s Environment Policy supports the Strategic Framework. The Framework formalises Melbourne Water’s commitment to a sustainable water future and links our programs to relevant Government policy platforms such as Our Water Our Future, Melbourne 2030 and Our Environment Our Future.
Community and External Stakeholder Consultation
There has been no community or external consultation on this policy. However significant external consultation with stakeholders has taken place on the Strategic Framework.
Policy Statement
The following goals from the Strategic Framework will be used to direct activity:
- Protect Melbourne’s existing water resources through sustainable catchment management practices
- Secure water supplies for current and future generations by developing new, alternative and diverse water resources
- Increase water resource efficiency
- Improve environmental outcomes from all aspects of the business
- Respond to climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures
- Improve the health and amenity of waterways and marine environments
- Conserve and improve biodiversity and ecosystems
- Deliver safe sewage transfer, treatment and disposal
- Minimise waste disposal and maximise resource efficiency
- Embrace sustainable work practices and behaviours
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders and strengthen relationships
Strategies, performance measures and key performance indicators are detailed in Melbourne Water’s three-year Corporate Plan which is reviewed on an annual basis. The Water Plan summarises outcomes and actions Melbourne Water will deliver over the pricing period. Current environmental actions and outcomes include the following:
| Environmental Actions and Outcomes | Target Date |
|---|---|
| 100 % compliance with statutory and agreed environmental requirements | Continuously |
| Maintain certification to ISO14001:2004, the international Environmental Management Standard | Continuously |
| Maintain certification of the Integrated Sewage Quality Management System to ISO22000:2005 | Continuously |
| Eliminate non-compliant wet weather sewage spills | 2012 |
| No spills due to sewerage system operational failure | Continuously |
| Implement Melbourne Water’s biodiversity strategy | Continuously |
| Implement Melbourne Water’s Native Vegetation Management guidelines | Continuously |
| Develop a Waste Management Strategy | 2010 |
| Operate water supply system within environmental requirements | Continuously |
Implement the Greenhouse and Energy Strategy and:
|
|
| Construct wetlands to reduce the nitrogen load to Port Phillip Bay by 106 tonnes | 2013 |
| No offensive odour from any Melbourne Water site | 2013 |
| Capacity to supply recycled water to meet retail water company targets for potable water substitution | Continuously |
| Use a cumulative total of 90,000 cubic meters of Biosolids from Eastern Treatment Plant for construction fill | 2013 |
| To have 50% of rivers and creeks in good or excellent condition (as measured by the Index of River Condition) | 2015 |
| Encourage the implementation of best-practice storm water performance objectives for urban development | Continuously |
| Achieve 2008 Waterways Water Plan implementation targets set out in the Operating Charter for Waterways | Continuously |
Performance on progress in achieving our goals, outcomes and actions is reported in Melbourne Water’s Annual Report.
References / Related Documents
Strategic Framework - Working together to ensure a sustainable water future (PDF 839kb)
Environment and Public Health Management System Manual
Specific procedures required to implement policy are included in management systems, strategies, plans, procedures, guidelines and other instructions
2008 Waterways Water Plan
Melbourne Water 2009 Water Plan
Sustainable management principles for water corporations (Cl 93 Water Act 1989)
Version 8 (August 2009)