A construction contractor in Allambie Heights has been fined $30,000 for causing environmental damage from sediment-laden runoff at The Forest High School site. The runoff polluted a creek home to a critically endangered fish species.
The Incident and Its Impact
The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) found that ADCO Constructions failed to implement adequate sediment controls during heavy earthworks early in 2024. As a result, polluted water escaped into Curl Curl Creek, an ecologically sensitive waterway linked to Manly Dam.
Curl Curl Creek is the habitat of the Climbing Galaxias, a prehistoric freshwater fish species that has existed for over 60 million years. The pollution raised serious concerns about the survival of this critically endangered species, which relies on clean and stable ecosystems to thrive.
Community Reports Spark Investigation
The issue came to light after heavy rain in February 2024, when local environmentalists noticed brown, silt-laden water in Curl Curl Creek. Concerned residents reported their findings to the EPA, which conducted inspections with support from Northern Beaches Council. The investigation confirmed that sediment from the Allambie Heights construction site had reached the creek via stormwater drains.
Authorities also discovered that ADCO Constructions had been warned about similar run-off issues earlier in January but failed to take sufficient corrective action.
EPA’s Response
An EPA spokesperson stated that protecting sensitive ecosystems like Curl Curl Creek is a top priority and that compliance with environmental regulations is non-negotiable. The EPA noted that adequate pollution controls were not in place at the time of the incident, which was described as unacceptable.
The EPA has committed to monitoring the construction site on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance and prevent further damage to the local environment. The organisation has also urged residents to report any potential pollution incidents to its Environment Line.
Community Concerns and Future Measures
Local environmental advocates expressed relief that the issue was being addressed but emphasised the need for stricter oversight. The Northern Beaches Council stated that it will continue to work with the EPA to enforce environmental standards at the site. The construction of The Forest High School, part of a relocation project, will remain scrutinized to ensure it does not further endanger the region’s unique biodiversity.
The EPA reminded all contractors working in ecologically sensitive areas of their legal responsibility to prevent environmental damage and protect local habitats.
Published 26-Nov-2024
