Sludge spill from wastewater treatment plant closes 200m section of Christies Beach
A 200m section of Christies Beach has been closed to the public following a break-in at a nearby wastewater treatment plant that caused a “sludge” overflow.
A 200m section of Christies Beach has been closed to the public following a break-in at a nearby wastewater treatment plant that caused a “sludge” overflow.
The sludge, which contains human excrement, spilt out from the Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant and into Christie Creek overnight on Sunday.
The spill is believed to be contained to the creek, however Christies Beach has been closed to the public 100m each side of the creek outlet as a precaution and it should not be used for swimming.
SA Water crews are cleaning up the spill from the creek and are working with the Environment Protection Authority and SA Health to ensure the water quality is safe for swimmers.
SA Water production and treatment acting senior manager Dr Daniel Hoefel said they were working with police to investigate the break-in.
“We’ll be working with police to facilitate their investigation, and will also look at our security measures to ensure they’re fit for purpose,” he said.
“The treatment plant is operating as normal to treat and recycle wastewater produced by our customers across the southern suburbs.”
Water samples have been taken from the beach and are being analysed, however results are not expected until Tuesday.
SA Health principal water quality adviser Dr David Cunliffe said people should avoid swimming in the sea at least 100m either side of the creek until tests confirmed it was safe for entry.
“The affected area is clearly marked with signage,” he said.
“It doesn’t appear as though the sea water is affected but it’s prudent for us to take the precaution, just in case.
“If people enter this section of the sea and develop a gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhoea and vomiting illness they should contact their medical practitioner.”
It is anticipated the 200m section of water will remain closed to swimmers until test results confirm the sea water is unaffected.
Part of Christies Beach had to be closed to the public in May last year when a chlorination system fault at the treatment plant led to six megalitres of clean and treated, but un-disinfected, water being discharged into the ocean.