Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria has issued Greater Western Water (GWW) with an infringement notice of $9,246 for the discharge of stormwater containing sediment from an irrigation dam at the Romsey Recycled Water Plant into Deep Creek in February this year.
This was not a release of recycled water from the plant.
GWW shares the community’s values and priorities for maintaining the health of Deep Creek and its habitats, and we apologise for not demonstrating our care in this instance.
An independent ecological risk assessment confirmed there were no long-term environmental impacts to Deep Creek as a consequence of the stormwater discharge. This assessment was provided to EPA Victoria as part of their investigation.
GWW is implementing measures to stabilise the irrigation dam and drainage channels to prevent sediment build up in stormwater runoff, in compliance with an EPA Victoria improvement notice at the site.
We also understand the community’s concern about the Romsey Recycled Water Plant’s capacity to support the region’s growing population.
An upgrade of the plant will start next year to help us continue providing Romsey and Lancefield customers with safe and reliable sewerage services, and protect Deep Creek.
Local community drop-in sessions are scheduled this month with an opportunity for our customers to learn more about the plans for the plant and other initiatives, and provide feedback. Details are available on our YourSay site.
