Potentially toxic heavy metals have been found in Ewey Creek, Gymea.
They took samples which showed that a combination of water and metal particles formed a sludge which made its way into a stormwater drain and then travelled into Ewey Creek.
A council spokeswoman said the particles were a type found in metal foundry or panel beating.
‘‘The test results show the presence of high concentrations of aluminium, arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, zinc and iron in the creek,’’ she said.
‘‘These pollutants generate suspended sediments which prevent sunlight from passing through the water and reaching any living organism in the creek.
‘‘In still parts of the creek the sediments will settle out, smothering all living organisms.
‘‘The heavy metals can be toxic to some organisms if ingested.
‘‘Some of the sediments will discharge into the nearest water body, in this case Yowie Bay, where they will settle on the bottom, smothering all living organisms.
‘‘The test results also revealed a high biochemical oxygen demand reading which means the creek’s health is degraded heavily and the pollutants are using up the oxygen needed by plant life, invertebrates and other organisms.
‘‘Only stormwater should be discharged into the stormwater drains to ensure our creeks and waterways are healthy.’’
If anyone has any information on the Ewey Creek pollution, they can report it to the council via the Report It app, or via the Report It function on www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au or the council on 9710 0333.
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