Pollution Monitoring and Reporting
Pollution monitoring data is obtained as a result of monitoring the conditions on Council’s Environment Protection Licence (EPL 3088). The data published related to the pollutants generated, discharged or emitted from the Sewer Treatment Plant and samples are analysed by an independent NATA certified laboratory.
Pollution monitoring data is collected and reported by Council, as a condition of our Environment Protection Licence (EPL 3088). In accordance with changes to the Protection of the Environment Act 2011 and conditions of its licence, Council collects and publishes pollution monitoring data on our website. The pollution monitoring data is summarised and published on this website monthly.
Environmental Protection Authority Licence (EPA) 3088
Council operates the Sewer Treatment Plant and Reticulation Network in compliance with Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Licence 3088. The licences stipulate both quality and quantity conditions for discharge from the sewer treatment plant and are reviewed every three years under the legislation. The licence also specifies operational controls and reporting requirements for the pipe network and pump stations.
Click to view a copy of Council's licence to operate the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Pollution Incident Response Management Plan
Council has an obligation under the Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Amendment (Pollution Incident Response Management plans) Regulation 2012 to prepare, implement and publish the Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP). The PIRMP forms part of Council Emergency Response Plan and details communicative actions and risk control during pollution incidents.
The PIRMP summarises the approach taken by Council to manage any incidents involving our water and sewer infrastructure, the environment, customers or staff. This may include water or sewer system failures or damage caused by natural or malicious hazards.
Click to view our Pollution Incident Response Management Plan - PIRMP.
Sewer Overflows
If a sewer overflow incident has occurred in Council’s sewer assets and/or activities and the situation is potentially life threatening call 000 in the first instance.
Any person wishing to report a sewer overflow incident involving Council’s sewer asset and/or activity or make a complaint about Council’s sewer treatment plant, must call us during business hours or emergency after hours on T 02 6578 7290.
Council staff will assess the situation and contact/dispatch the designated operational staff to attend the incident or advise of a course of action based on the assessment of the situation. Council will escalate the incident when necessary and notify relevant stakeholders based on the information received from our attending staff.
Communication during an overflow incident
Once an incident has been assessed, Council uses systems and procedures to identify and notify relevant stakeholders and authorities of any changing circumstances.
Communication with customers
Council receive information relating to system faults and failures, for example sewer manhole overflows, water leaks and breaks from members of the public. We utilise several methods of communication to inform customers of incidents including:
- Website homepage incident alerts
- Field staff (usually the first to attend an incident) communicating with customers who are or may be impacted by the incident face to face via door knocking
- Warning signage via variable message boards and/or fixed road signage
- Social media
Communication with relevant authorities and stakeholders
In the event of a pollution incident, the following authorities may be notified in accordance with the requirements of Council’s EPL Licence and the Protection of the Environment amendment Act 2011:
- NSW Environment Protection Authority
- NSW Government – Health
- WorkCover NSW