THE NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) investigated stormwater run-off at Santos’ Leewood wastewater treatment facility yesterday, after days of heavy rain battered the worksite.
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The run-off occurred after recent rain made surface water leave the worksite and pool on a small area at the southern boundary of the property.
Photographs provided to the EPA by the complainant showed the water contained sediment and traces of the polymer spray used for dust suppression on the internal roads of the property.
EPA said the water had been cleaned up and taken away for legal disposal by a licensed waste company.
More than 14mm of rain has fallen on the Leewood site, near Narrabri, in recent days.
Director of the EPA’s north branch, Gary Davey, said there was no apparent environmental or health risks from the run-off and the EPA would investigate to ensure the facility had adequate erosion controls.
“The water run-off from Leewood water treatment facility was minor and removed quickly,” Mr Davey said.
“Santos is in contact with the complainant and has commenced works on site to ensure that further stormwater discharges do not occur off the premises. The EPA appreciates the quick response by Santos to this issue.”
Santos is required to submit an incident report to the EPA by Friday.
It has also been requested to provide its Sediment and Erosion Control Plan to the EPA for review.
Santos general manager of energy NSW, Peter Mitchley, said the water in question was rainwater and the company was speaking to the EPA about the complaint.
