Effluent overflow into Condamine River in Warwick

The Southern Downs Regional Council has informed the community of an effluent overflow that occurred yesterday into the Condamine River at the Warwick Sewage Treatment Plant, at the far western end of Victoria Street.

In a statement a council spokeswoman said effluent “is water that has a partial level of treatment, but has not yet completed the full treatment process”.

“Council is working closely with the Department of Environment and Science to resolve the overflow of secondary treated effluent into the Condamine River which occurred yesterday, Wednesday 3 June,” the spokeswoman said.

“Following an operational malfunction at the Warwick Sewerage Treatment Plant, effluent overflowed into the river and eroded a section of the river bank.

“While the incident was regrettable and accidental in nature, officers responded promptly and proactively to resolve the issue.

“Council immediately undertook remediation actions once the leak was discovered.

“Officers cleaned and disinfected the spill site, and also conducted required water sampling and erecting of pollution signs.

“We have been on top of the situation from the start and have submitted an initial incident report to the Department of Environment and Science in accordance with Council’s Environmental Authority for the plant.

“Water quality samples upstream and downstream from the discharge location have been sent for testing.

“We will await and be guided by the Department’s advice.

“Following drought, the river is currently not flowing which mitigates potential contamination.”

The spokeswoman said in the “interest of public safety, we will also conduct structural investigation of the river bank over next two days to assess the erosion”.

“Council will also conduct an incident investigation to review the plant control system and operation and implement remedial measures where necessary to avoid similar situations in future,” the spokeswoman said.

“Public safety is very important, and while Council gathers more facts on the water quality at the spill site, residents are advised to avoid accessing or using the waterway near the Warwick Sewerage Treatment Plant and to avoid fishing or consuming fish caught near the spill site.

“Further notification will be provided to the community as it comes to hand.”