The Central Coast Council will pay a total of $418,562 after a major sewage leak into Narara Creek caused significant environmental damage. The leak occurred when the West Gosford sewage rising main failed, releasing 1.83 million liters of untreated sewage into the creek, which is part of the Brisbane Water estuary. The Court found that the Council had failed to maintain the pipeline, despite a similar incident in 2020.
The sewage release led to severe pollution, increasing ammonia levels and reducing oxygen in the water, which harmed local aquatic life. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) highlighted the lack of preventative maintenance, which might have prevented the incident.
As part of the penalty, the Council was fined $105,600 and will complete a $151,900 restoration project for the Narara Creek Wetlands. The Council also must cover the EPA’s investigation costs, bringing the total penalty to $418,562.
While the Council argued that its financial challenges due to a 2020 crisis and administration under the Minister should reduce the penalty, the Court disagreed. It emphasized that the financial issues were self-inflicted and that all councils must prioritize environmental protection.
In response, the Council has expedited plans to replace about two kilometers of the pipeline, starting in 2025 and expected to be completed by 2026. The upgraded pipeline will serve several areas, including Somersby, Kariong, and West Gosford, and carry sewage to the Kincumber Sewage Treatment Plant.
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