Aquatic Pollution

A significant point source pollution in our catchment are sewer overflows. Sewer pipes take waste from toilets and showers to treatment plants before disposal off the coast. These pipes have overflow points that discharge raw sewage if the pipes get blocked. While this sometimes occurs during dry weather, more commonly they discharge sewage during wet weather. When it rains many of these pipes allow rain water to enter resulting in too much water for the pipes to hold. Sydney Water is responsible for reducing these overflows and has developed a Sewerage Overflow Abatement Program.

Another significant source of contaminants potentially arises from the industrial areas. Significant industrial areas in Parramatta include Dundas, Rydalmere, Camellia, Pendle Hill, Granville and Chester Hill.

Our commercial areas are likely sources of litter and other gross pollutants. Major commercial centres include Parramatta CBD, Granville, Westmead, Ermington, Telopea, Guildford and Epping.

Roads are also considered to be a significant source of pollutants such as oils and metals. Major Roads running through the Parramatta include M4, Cumberland Highway, Victoria Road, Pennant Hills Road, Kissing Point Road, Carlingford Road, James Ruse Drive and Parramatta Road.

There are several known contaminated sites which have potential leachate problems. These are include old land fill sites, nightsoil depots or reclaimed land. Some of these have been converted into sporting fields and other passive recreation sites.

While pollution can come from many sources such as roads, shopping centres and industrial sites many contaminants can come from our own backyard. The following things are a source of pollution if not prevented from entering our gutters or creeks:

• Garden fertiliser
• Pesticides
• Herbicides
• Detergents
• Lawn / garden clippings and leaves
• Car oil
• Flea rinse
• Paint
• Garden soil
• Dog droppings
• Loose soil and building materials

What to do in case of pollution incident

Council is responsible for enforcing environmental legislation concerning pollution incidents and general waste disposal. However, the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (former Environmental Protection Authority) deals with major pollution and hazardous waste incidents. When investigating incidents, Council’s Environmental Health Officers require information on the water colour/odour, the location and time of the incident, and the details of the person/address responsible (if known).

If pollution is occurring at the time, residents should contact Council's Customer Service Centre, phone 9806 5000 during office hours. After hours emergencies should contact the EPA Pollution Line, phone 131 555 or local police in the case of noise.