Willoughby Council issues fines after investigation into stormwater pollution at Sailors Bay, Middle Harbour

Almost $20,000 in fines have been issued to construction sites over stormwater pollution which residents fear may have impacted water quality at a popular harbour swimming spot. See the photos.

A photo of white foam in the creek.

Willoughby Council has issued almost $20,000 in fines over a stormwater pollution incident which north shore residents fear may have impacted water quality at a popular harbour swimming spot.

Photos captured by homeowners in Northbridge have put the spotlight on the environmental condition of Sailors Bay Creek, which flows into Sailors Bay and Middle Harbour on the lower north shore.

The images reveal the creek has been discoloured with dark sediment and a thick layer of white foam – raising fears over the health of the waterway.

There are also concerns over water quality at Northbridge Baths – located just 250m from the mouth of the creek.

Willoughby Council has confirmed an investigation into a stormwater pollution incident at the creek on May 4 has resulted in three fines issued to two construction sites in the Chatswood and Castlecrag areas.

The creek flows into Sailors Bay.

A photo of the creek supplied by residents.

The fines issued to the Chatswood building site included pollute waters ($8000 infringement), while the fines to the Castlecrag site included carry out specified development prohibited on land by a corporation ($6000) and development works not carried out in accordance with conditions of consent ($3000).

A council spokeswoman said further action by the council has also required building sites to immediately install and implement effective erosion and sediment control safeguards tools and materials.

Residents have raised concerns over the health of the waterway.

Willoughby Council has investigated pollution in the creek.

The spokeswoman said there was no evidence gathered by the council to indicate the sediment laden water from the two building sites reached Northbridge Baths or that the baths were unsafe for swimming.

The council fines came after residents contacted the council calling for staff to investigate the health of the waterway.

Long-term resident Christopher de Doby said he had reported multiple incidents of sediment and discolouration in the waterway which he believed was linked to a spike in residential development activity in the area.

“I have lived right next to the creek for the past 25 years and until 2012 the creek was a stunning and unique area,” he said.

A photo of murky water seen in the creek.

“In the past 10-12 year been more developments have been put in and more incidents like this occurring and are turning the creek into a brown and dirty mess.

“The creek sustains a large variety of wildlife – some of which has disappeared probably due to the ongoing pollution.

“It flows into where people swim. My concern is the council doesn’t have enough power to fully regulate it.”

A photo of the creek captured by residents.

The creek flows into Sailors Bay.

The Willoughby Council spokeswoman said the council takes reports of stormwater pollution seriously.

“Where council is the appropriate regulatory authority under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 for investigation of local stormwater pollution events like sediment from a local building site, council’s staff investigate and initiate actions in instances where evidence of an offence has been gathered,” she said in a statement.

Northbridge Baths is located just 250m from the mouth of the creek.

“In most other instances, particularly where a stormwater pollution event has occurred from a licenced premises, the EPA is the appropriate regulatory authority for the purposes of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

“I wish to emphasise the fact that council monitors and responds.”

In a separate incident on May 12, the Environment Protection Authority confirmed a potable water supply main had broken in the area – resulting in fresh water being released into Sailors Bay Creek.

An EPA spokesman said Sydney Water installed containment measures and erected signage around the water main.

“We encourage everyone to report suspected pollution immediately to the EPA’s Environment Line,” he said.