Residents forced to evacuate after 16 million litres of raw sewage overflowed

Nearly 40 residents were forced to relocate after 16 million litres of raw, backed up sewage overflowed at multiple locations across northern Sydney.

Sydney Water Corporation has been convicted and fined $365,625, while also agreeing to pay $500,000 to environmental projects, following the “huge” overflow incident.

The overflow, in 2020, was sparked when a partially collapsed sewage pipe and maintenance hole caused a blockage in the sewage system, causing raw sewage to back-up and overflow.

This occurred in Dawson Reserve and two other locations near Gaza Road and Garland Road, causing 39 people in Naremburn to be temporarily relocated.

The overflowing sewage also entered Flat Rock Creek, possibly causing harm to the organisms living within that area.

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) acting executive director Arminda Ryan said local residents were “significantly impacted” by the incident, complaining to the EPA of “sewage odours”.

“These waterways are much-loved recreational areas for residents in Northern Sydney and we know the local community expects better from Sydney Water,” she said.

“We want to protect and restore our local waterways and maintaining the infrastructure of our sewage network is integral to this goal.”

In the Land and Environment Court, Sydney Water was fined for three related offences and entered into an Enforceable Undertaking with the EPA to address concerns around the collapsed pipe.

At the time of the back-up, Sydney Water failed to immediately notify the authorities.

Under the Enforceable Undertaking the organisation also pledged $500,000 in funding to two councils and the Aboriginal Heritage Office to help with different environmental projects.

This is Sydney Water’s twelfth conviction relating to sewage overflows since 2020.

Affected community members will receive a written apology regarding the incident while anyone can report potential water pollution incidents to the Environment Line on 131 555.