Blue Mountains News

In both cases, Council was alerted by residents who had spotted large amounts of white foam in drainage lines and creeks, first in the Wilson Park area (north Lawson) on 11-12 March and then in Cataract Creek (south Lawson) on 15-16 March.

The two incidents occurred in separate catchments, suggesting that the foaming substances entered the stormwater systems from different source points.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “With Council’s long-term water quality and waterway health monitoring established in both affected catchments, we are well-placed to assess the environmental impacts of these incidents.

“Preliminary results at both creeks indicate that the foaming substances have not caused significant detrimental effects on waterway health, and we do not believe the incidents pose any ongoing health risks for humans or pets.

“However, these incidents demonstrate the potential for stormwater to carry pollutants from urban areas directly into our waterways, especially after rain, and everyone can help protect our water by reducing runoff from properties and keeping contaminants out of stormwater drains.”

Water samples collected by Council and the NSW Environment Protection Agency at Cataract Creek (south Lawson) were tested and foam in this case was caused by anionic surfactants which are used in many personal care and cleaning products such as shampoos, soaps and detergents. Laboratory results from samples taken at Wilson Park (north Lawson) were not able to determine the cause of foaming at that site.

There was insufficient information or evidence to allow for a successful prosecution and the investigation is now closed.

“I’d like to thank the local community members who reported their concerns in relation to these incidents,” Cr Greenhill said. “And I encourage everyone to report pollution or suspected pollution of waterways by calling the NSW Environment Line on 131 555 or Council on 4780 5000.”