Update as at 4:30 pm Sunday 28 March
Removing Ground Water From Stuarts Point
Multiple agencies are involved in addressing the issue of contaminated ground water in Stuarts Point caused by on-site septic system overflow during the flood emergency.
• The evacuation of affected properties and ceasing use of the septic systems, combined with falling water levels influence conditions in the impacted area.
• Under the Emergency Operations declaration, the EPA advised that the mechanical removal of the water would be permitted as an exempt action to protect the community
• Council’s Environmental Health Officers and EPA have run tests on the ammonia and ecoli levels in the groundwater.
• Results indicate the levels are lower than treated effluent discharged from sewerage treatment plants.
• Fire and Rescue NSW, in consultation with the EPA, have worked with Council to commence pumping the ground water into the existing stormwater system
• Pumping will remove water faster to a certain depth before natural dissipation allowing property assessment and disinfection to commence
• Drinking water in Stuarts Point has been tested and remains safe to consume
