EPA fines water treatment plant operator $60,000 for alleged Cooks River pollution

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined the operator of the M8 Operational Water Treatment Plant (OWTP), WCX M5 PT Pty Limited (WCX), $60,000 following the alleged discharge of contaminated groundwater into the Cooks River in September 2024.

The water treatment plant treats groundwater that is collected from the M8 tunnels.

WCX received two penalty notices after a faulty valve at the plant led to approximately 792 kilolitres of untreated and partially treated groundwater bypassing the treatment system and discharging into a drain connected to the river. That volume of water is equivalent to nearly a third of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

EPA Director Operations Adam Gilligan said all licensed operators have a responsibility to ensure their facilities are properly maintained to prevent environmental harm.

“We expect all EPA-licensed facilities to comply with the conditions of their licence. This includes maintaining and operating treatment equipment in a proper and efficient manner. This incident was a clear failure to do so,” Mr Gilligan said.

“Untreated groundwater can contribute to high turbidity levels, which can smother aquatic habitats and affect fish and other aquatic life.”

Following the incident, WCX advised the EPA that the faulty valve had been removed and a review of current systems at the plant was underway.

“While we acknowledge the actions WCX has taken since the incident, it is disappointing that it occurred in the first place,” Mr Gilligan said.

“We don’t expect long-term impacts to the Cooks River from this discharge, but we will continue to monitor the site closely to ensure the environment is protected.”

WCX received one penalty notice for failure to maintain equipment in a proper and efficient condition and another penalty notice for pollution of waters.

To report pollution incidents to the NSW EPA, contact the Environment Line on 131 555 or email [email protected]