Snowy Hydro fined for water pollution events

Snowy Hydro Limited has been fined $60,000 after sediment impacted water entered Talbingo Reservoir and the Yarrangobilly River in separate incidents in May and July 2025. 

For the May incident, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) found that water carrying sediment from stockpiles of tunnel boring material flowed into an unnamed waterway and Talbingo Reservoir after a sediment basin and silt curtain failed. About 18,000 litres of sediment water was later removed.

In July, sediment impacted water entered the Yarrangobilly River when an obstructed dirty water drain diverted polluted water around a sediment basin for a period of around 14 hours during rainfall. The drain had not been included in a pre-rainfall inspection, and sampling following the event showed elevated turbidity downstream of the discharge.

EPA Executive Director Steve Beaman said both Snowy Hydro Limited and its Contractors must continue to improve environmental protections. 

“Effective sediment and erosion controls are essential on large-scale projects, especially near sensitive areas like Kosciuszko National Park,” Mr Beaman said. 

“Given the scale of these incidents and the water monitoring and clean-up measures taken, any environmental harm was likely limited, but the risk remains very real.

“This site is close by to some sensitive environments that support diverse and unique ecosystems, and it’s vital we protect the species that depend on them.”

Two penalty notices, each for $30,000, have been issued to Snowy Hydro. One for polluting waters during the May incident, and a second for failing to maintain a dirty water drain in the July incident.