The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Sydney Water $15,000 after residents found raw sewage in Bardwell Creek on September 11.
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A blocked sewerage pipe caused 1400 kilolitres of raw sewage to run into the creek, which raised concern with locals who noticed dozens of dead fish and eels littering the water and river banks.
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) acting Director of the Metropolitan branch Greg Sheehy said the EPA inspected the site on a number of occasions.
‘‘During the inspections it was recorded that Sydney Water’s inadequate response to the blocked sewage pipe had resulted in Bardwell Creek becoming polluted,’’ he said.
‘‘Concerned about the inadequate response the NSW EPA issued a clean-up notice which required them to bolster their clean-up actions.
‘‘Following the incident Sydney Water was issued a penalty infringement notice for $15,000 under Section 120 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 as it is an offence for a person to cause or permit any waters to be polluted.’’
Sydney Water said that they accepted the penalty.
‘‘Since the incident we have undertaken an extensive investigation up and down stream of the creek, including stormwater canals that discharge into the creek system to help prevent any recurrence,’’ the statement said.
‘‘Sydney Water will continue to work with the EPA and the community to implement learnings from this incident and prevent similar incidents occurring.’’
