Sydney Water has agreed to pay $347,100 for environmental and community works after more than three million litres of untreated sewage overflowed into Arnotts Reserve and Powells Creek in Homebush, as well as the Parramatta River.
The discharge was followed by a significant fish kill in Powells Creek, and Arnotts Reserve was closed to the public during clean-up for several weeks after the incident.
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director, Steve Beaman said the incident occurred from a break in a Sydney Water rising main pipe after the inside of the pipe eroded in early 2021.
“This incident saw around three to five million litres worth of sewage spilled into the surrounding environment, the equivalent of up to two Olympic sized swimming pools,” Mr Beaman said.
“Untreated sewage entering into our local waterways presents a major risk to our environment and is completely unacceptable.
“These waterways are much-loved areas for residents in Western Sydney and we know locals expect better from Sydney’s water utility.
“Untreated sewage poses risks to human health and can have impacts on our ecosystems.
“When dealing with untreated sewage, infrastructure should always be monitored and upgraded when necessary.
“While we are disappointed this incident occurred, the undertaking will go towards environmental and community works within the Badu Mangroves and Mason Park Wetlands.
“We want to protect these areas now and well into the future and these works will help to improve water quality, enable bush regeneration and weed control while enhancing waterbird habitats and recreational facilities.”
The works will be carried out by the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Strathfield Council. The $347,100 commitment is detailed in an enforceable undertaking with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
In addition to the environmental works, Sydney Water has also agreed to pay the EPA’s legal and investigations costs of approximately $28,000 and also publicise details of the enforceable undertaking and incident in the Daily Telegraph, The Parramatta Advertiser and on Sydney Water’s social media pages.
Enforceable Undertakings (EUs) are one of a number of tools the EPA can use to achieve environmental compliance. The EPA may secure outcomes such as environmental restoration measures or contributions to environmental projects. Compliance with the undertaking is enforceable by the Land and Environment Court.
