Pollution Patrol with EPA

Discover what types of pollution end up in the Birrarung and what the Environment Protection Authority is doing to prevent it. At this practical hands on event, there will be a demonstration of the EPA Pollution Response Vehicle and equipment and activities for adults and children on water monitoring sampling and testing. Find out what to look for in reporting pollution and the pathways and methods to report it. Hear more about the Polystyrene Pollution project and the collaboration between the EPA and the Yarra Riverkeeper Association.

Activities for kids and adults:

• Interactive drain chase to better understand how waste or pollution get to the Yarra River.
• Guessing the pH of water and testing for it.
• Using and reading water quality parameters.
• Using a drain camera.
• Using a thermal camera.

Demonstrations:

• EPA will demonstrate the use of water sampling procedures.
• EPA will demonstrate the use and deployment of water sensors.
• Show the EPA’s pollution response vehicle and the equipment we have.

Information:

• Discussion around the general environmental duty (GED) for all Victorians.
• Discussion around pollution reporting, what to look out for and how to BEST to report pollution.
  • What happens after you report a pollution event.
• Discussion around polystyrene and pollution in general.
• Discussion around “Garden Safe” and soil testing, how that could affect our water ways.

This event is organised and run by Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Accessibility: 

• Where the stall is located is wheelchair accessible and adjacent to the footpath.
• The water sampling demonstration component at the water’s edge is inaccessible for wheelchairs and prams.

About Riverfest

This event is part of the 2024 Birrarung Riverfest. Celebrate our river at one of 30+ events being hosted over three weeks from 1- 22 September. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest.
Riverfest is presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association. Check out the full Riverfest program here.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Yarra Riverkeeper Association acknowledges that the lands and waterways of the Yarra, Birrarung catchment, are the unceded territories of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Bunurong peoples. We pay respect to Traditional Owners, who have, and continue, to care for Country. We acknowledge that the river now called Yarra has always been known as the Birrarung by its custodians.

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