The site manager of the Wiigulga Sports Complex construction site at Woolgoolga has been fined by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for a water pollution offence.
The $15,000 fine comes after a community member reported in July the site was causing pollution in the Woolgoolga Lake.
EPA Acting Director Regulatory Operations Janet Sparrow said following the community report, EPA officers inspected the site after a small rain event.
“Our investigation determined water and sediment controls were inadequate for the site,” Ms Sparrow said.
“Sediment rich water had been leaving the site and polluting local waterways.”
Coffs Harbour City Council contracted the site managers to build the sports complex.
The EPA has written to Council reminding it of its responsibility to oversee environmental controls at contracted sites.
Ms Sparrow said a clean-up notice was issued to the site manager requiring it to revise its Erosion and Sediment Plan, improve water and sediment controls, and prevent further pollution incidents from occurring.
“Site Managers must implement and maintain appropriate controls to ensure water and sediment doesn’t leave the construction site.
“Temporary barriers and sediment traps are good examples of controls commonly used at construction sites to prevent pollution incidents.”
The largest fine the EPA is able to issue under its legislation is $15,000.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any water pollution incidents to Enviro Line on 131 555.
