About Environmental Health
Environmental health addresses all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors that can potentially affect health. It is targeted towards preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments.
Pollution
Pollution can take many forms and can negatively affect the air, soil and water quality. Examples of pollution include:
- Spills contaminating soil or water;
- Black / dark smoke;
- Odours and fumes; and
- Noise
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is the leading body managing environmental pollution in Western Australia. To report a pollution matter directly to DWER, please use their online reporting form.
DWER Pollution Online Reporting Form
Noise
Most of us will accept the occasional bit of noise from neighbours, however regular and ongoing disturbances can be annoying and lead to poor neighbourhood relations. The state regulations governing noise in WA are the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.
These regulations exempt some noise sources from complying with the regulations and also apply different requirements and restrictions to different noise sources. Please read the Noise Information Sheet for more information.
If you would like to make a noise enquiry or complaint about noise, please use the Noise Online Web Form.
Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997
Noise Information Sheet
Noise Online Web Form
If you have received notification from an event promoter or construction company, and are experiencing loud noise in relation to this, please use the contacts provided in the notification to report the noise pollution.
If you are experiencing loud noise from concerts or construction sites with no prior notification, or from residential premises, small to medium business premises or air conditioners, please read below to contact the Town’s Health Services team.
Information on who to report all other noise pollution to, refer to the DWER website.
DWER Website
Exempt Noise
Certain noises are classified as “exempt”. In other words, the Town has no authority to control such types of noises. However, there may be other relevant authorities for some types of exempt noise such as aircraft noise or trains.
Exempt noises include propulsion and braking systems of motor vehicles, noise emissions from trains, aircrafts and safety warning devices fitted to motor vehicles and earth moving machinery.
Music and Musical Instruments
Loud music accounts for up to 40% of all noise enquiries received by the Town of Bassendean. As a guide, try to maintain music levels within the confines of your home/building and any dominant bass component to a minimum.
If you’re playing a stereo system, check to see if you can hear the music outside on your property boundary. If you can, it’s probably too loud. If you use speakers outside in your garden, be mindful of this noise on your neighbours.
There are some exemptions in relation to the playing of musical instruments. Typically, musical instruments would exceed the permitted noise levels in residential areas. The exemption allows residents to practice their music and ensure compliance with the regulations.
Party Noise
It’s reasonable to host the occasional party, however, it is also reasonable that your neighbours are not adversely impacted. Here are some ideas to help ensure good neighbour relations.
- Advise your neighbours about the party and the likely finish time;
- Start your party earlier so it can finish earlier;
- Avoid using speakers outside and lower the volume, particularly the bass;
- Move your guests inside after midnight and close windows and doors to contain the noise;
- Provide a contact number or invite your neighbour to tell you if it gets too loud; and
- Be aware of other potential impacts, such as guests blocking neighbours’ driveways or litter.
Please note, that loud parties, unruly/antisocial behaviour and disturbance of the peace, are to be reported to Police – 131 444.
Power Tools (Specified Equipment)
The use of power tools is allowed provided the equipment is in good working order, compatible with the work being undertaken and used for no more than two hours a day, between 7:00am and 7:00pm, Monday to Saturday and 9.00am and 7:00pm on Sundays and Public Holidays.
If using a static unit like a brick saw or compressor, try to position it away from your neighbour’s living and sleeping areas.
Construction Sites
For information regarding noise from a construction site, please refer to the Construction Site Noise Information Sheet
Construction Site Noise Information Sheet
Air Quality
Air quality is something we often take for granted because, compared to other places in the world, our air is generally good. That is why, when we experience excessive smoke or detect an odour, it’s so noticeable. While we all have the potential to impact our neighbours from time to time, (e.g. smoke from a BBQ, odour from garden fertilizer), it is when excessive smoke or odours in the community occur that they can be a problem.
From time to time, Health Services receive complaints from residents regarding dust settling on their cars or having to re-wash their laundry, which is hanging outdoors. Although frustrating, these are not health issues. Health legislation is concerned with human health.
The Town’s Health Services team has restricted powers in relation to noise, unauthorised discharges from small-medium enterprises and dark smoke from domestic chimneys. For information about smoke from domestic chimneys, please refer to the Wood Smoke information sheet.
If you would like to make an enquiry or complaint about Air Quality or Pollution please use the online Environmental Enquiries Web Form.
Environmental Enquiries Web Form
Environmental Waters Program
The Town’s Health Services team collect water samples from Sandy Beach Reserve, Point Reserve and Success Hill between November and April each year. The water samples are assessed to see if the bacteria levels are within safe limits and that dangerous amoeba are not detected in the water. This ensures that the water is safe for swimming and for other recreational activities. This program is done in partnership with the WA Department of Health. For more information regarding water sampling, please refer to the Town’s Environmental Waters Program Information Sheet.
If you would like to make an enquiry about Environmental Water Sampling use the online Environmental Enquiries Web Form.
Environmental Enquiries Web Form