Residential Environment Protection Issues

Protect Your Environment

The Environment Protection Act 1997 (the Act) provides the regulatory framework to protect the environment from pollution and its effects. The Act establishes the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as the statutory decision maker for environmental regulation and policy. The EPA administers legislation covering air and water quality, waste, contaminated land, noise control, pesticides and hazardous chemicals.

The Act provides for each person in the ACT to take all practicable and reasonable steps to prevent or minimise environmental harm or environmental nuisance. That means that all Canberrans have a duty to protect the environment.

For more information: Protect Your Environment ( PDF 79.9Kb)

Stormwater Pollution from Residential Areas

The stormwater system drains directly into our creeks, lakes and rivers without treatment. The Act aims to protect our aquatic environments by keeping stormwater as clean as possible. You can do your part by becoming more aware of how your activities affect water quality.

For more information: Stormwater Pollution from Residential Areas ( PDF 86Kb)

Noise in Residential Areas

Sport, entertainment, commercial and domestic activities can generate levels of noise ranging from being a nuisance to actually damaging people’s health. Neighbourhood noise (generated by air conditioning units, stereos, maintenance work etc), is a common cause of noise related complaints. The EPA encourages all residents to talk to their neighbours about problems before making a complaint.

For more information: Noise in Residential Areas ( PDF 136Kb)

Air Conditioning Units

When purchasing and installing reverse cycle air conditioners, heat pumps, pool pumps, evaporative coolers etc, ensure that you consider the location in relation to neighbours. Seek advice from the installer on whether the unit will comply with the noise standard in the proposed location, or contact the EPA for further information.

To help reduce air conditioning noise: you can limit hours of use; select a quieter air conditioner; locate air conditioners as far away as possible from neighbours and away from sensitive areas, such as bedroom windows; regularly service your equipment (as lack of maintenance can cause higher noise levels); erect a solid fence or barrier; install an acoustic enclosure; or modify equipment (discuss this option with the manufacturer or installer).

For more information: Installation of Air Conditioners ( PDF 136Kb)

The Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating's Residential Air Conditioning Best Practice Guideline sets out industry best practice guidelines for the selection, installation an maintenance of residential air conditioning units. The guideline addresses issues such as energy efficiency and air conditioner noise in a clear and concise manner.

The link below will take you to the five step guide to choosing a cooling system for your home. www.fairair.com.au 

Sound in the City

City and town centre areas are great places to live because of proximity to shops, restaurants, transport, employment and entertainment.  If you are considering relocating to the city or town centre area, it is important to think about the sounds generated by these activities.

For more information: Sound in the City ( PDF 338Kb)

Air Pollution from Domestic Premises

The Act aims to ensure that air quality in the ACT meets national standards by minimising environmental harm from local emissions of air pollutants, while still permitting necessary or socially acceptable activities to take place. The Act places a responsibility of care for the local environment on ACT residents.

For more information: Air Pollution ( PDF 411.0 KB)

Wood heaters and their emissions

The key to clean and efficient wood heating is knowing how to operate your wood heater correctly. Incorrect use produces insufficient heat and causes pollution.

Hazardous Waste in Your Home

Some commonly used household items are potentially hazardous to the environment due to their corrosive, flammable or reactive properties.  These can include: household cleaners, aerosol sprays, automotive supplies (including oil), paints and thinners, batteries, photographic chemicals, pool chemicals and pesticides.

If misused, accidentally spilled or not disposed of properly, they can cause harm to the environment.

For more information: Hazardous Waste in Your Home ( PDF 86KB)

For more information on simple ways to reduce the use of chemicals in your home or garden, visit the Safer Solutions  website.

Pest and Weed Control

Agricultural and veterinary chemicals (pesticides) are purchased and applied in the ACT by a diverse range of users. Users include members of the public, commercial pest control businesses, and other businesses such as forestry and golf courses. The most common use of pesticides in the ACT is to control pests in homes and gardens.

For more information on ways to reduce the use of chemicals in your garden, visit the Safer Solutions  website.

Contaminated Land

A contaminated site is a site at which a hazardous substance occurs at concentrations above background levels and where assessment indicates it poses, or could pose if land use is changed, an immediate or long term risk of harm to human health or the environment.

Waste Management and Hazardous Materials

Classification of Liquid & Non-liquid Waste, Movement of Controlled Waste, Scheduled Waste, Notice of Application/Approval for Disposal to Landfill, Information on the Disposal of Empty Chemical Containers, Recycling and Waste.