Central Coast Council acted on Terrigal sewage problems promptly
When sewage gushed from a stormwater drain onto Terrigal Beach over Easter, fingers were pointed at Central Coast Council. Now they’ve answered their critics. Here’s what they said.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Background: How the sewage spill saga unfolded
- 197 people compete for single Long Jetty rental
- Two new cinemas on way for Hoyts Erina
Sewer spill accusations answered
Central Coast Council has dismissed claims it knew about a five day sewage spill onto Terrigal Beach over Easter and did not warn swimmers.
Members of Terrigal Haven Supporters Group demanded answers and action after they witnessed putrid smelling water gushing from storm water pipes at the southern end of Terrigal Beach — even though there had been no rain.
The spill continued at various intervals from Wednesday until it was reported to the Environment Protection Authority and then permanently resolved by Council staff on Sunday.
They said the spill had continued during the annual Terrigal Ocean Swim on Saturday and the smell of sewage was in the air and the beach water tasted unpleasant.
Central Coast Council staff however, said they first knew of the problem on Easter Saturday late in the afternoon when they were notified of a small sewer overflow from an inspection point in Kurrawyba Ave, Terrigal.
“Council attended, removed the blockage and checked to ensure that no sewage had entered the stormwater system. None was observed at the time,” a council spokeperson said.
“Late on Sunday afternoon (April 21) council was notified of a second sewer overflow in Terrigal, this time from an inspection point behind a business on Terrigal Esplanade,” the spokesperson said.
“Council attended, removed the blockage and checked the stormwater drains at the beach for any indication of sewage. None was observed at the time.”
Council received further reports of a change in water quality in Terrigal Haven late last week including poor water clarity, but said these changes were unrelated to the Easter sewer overflows.
“The problems experienced over the weekend will be addressed as part of the ongoing investigation which is being undertaken in partnership with the NSW Government,” the spokesperson said.
Central Coast Council reports that invasive tree roots and the flushing of inappropriate items are the most common causes of partial and total blockages in the sewer system.
Council has crews on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year to respond to any incidents.
Council said it continued to investigate the causes of longer term water quality issues at Terrigal Beach and Terrigal Haven through its audit process.
This includes a number of strategies including DNA testing, pharmaceutical and ammonia testing and CCTV inspections of drains.
“Council encourages the community to continue to contact us when water quality issues arise at Terrigal so that timely investigations can be undertaken,” the spokesman said.