Storm causes major sewage spill

Caloundra City Council works crews are working in “extreme conditions” to repair a broken sewerage main at Kestrel Street, Aroona.

Caloundra City Council works crews are working in “extreme conditions” to repair a broken sewerage main at Kestrel Street, Aroona.

The council said storm water was adding approximately five times the volume to the usual flow handled by its sewerage system.

"The 500% increase in flow combined with the heavy rain has impacted on Council’s ability to complete repair work by lunchtime today as first anticipated,'' the council said.

Flow to the damaged main is still isolated at the Duck Holes Creek and Tripcony Lane pumping stations, and tankers continue to cart waste to the Kawana treatment plant however, it is estimated the repairs will not be completed until later this evening.

It is believed the bad weather caused the main to fail late last night and the heavy rains and flooding have continued to contribute to the problem.

The rain will be heavily diluting any spilled waste however residents are still being advised to remain out of the Pumicestone Passage and any nearby waterways as a precautionary measure.

The Environment Protection Agency is being kept up to date and water testing is being conducted.

Originally published as Storm causes major sewage spill