A sewer pump servicing Gwandalan that has burst twice in the past five weeks and resulted in the flow of waste into a reserve and the waters of Lake Macquarie will set Council back by at least $800,000 in repairs.
The town’s main pump, which is located in the popular Lioness Park boat ramp zone and receives waste from the town’s 1,800 homes, school and an industrial park, burst once at the end of December and again on January 27.
Residents reported a foul odour on both December 28 and January 27 and trucks operated a 24-hour tag team, pumping and transporting sewage out of the town to a mains pipe towards the Pacific Highway, while temporary fixes were made.
Investigations by the Council showed that corrosion at the bottom of the main pipe resulted in the burst and the spread of discharge.
Sandbags were laid and remain in place to contain the leak.
Waste extended out onto the reserve and onto the shores of Lake Macquarie, where there is a popular boat ramp and a netted swimming area.
Signs have been erected to warn the public about the dangers, although Council has moved to alleviate any concerns about health implications for those using the lake and the adjoining creek, as well as any threats to wildlife.
“The main potential impact to public health is bacteria via the recreational waterway, however it is very localised and any bacteria is quickly consumed by biota,” it said.
Monitoring of water quality in the lake is ongoing, while signage has been placed on site notifying the community of any potential pollution impacts.
The signs will remain until the monitoring indicates that the lake is safe for recreation.
Council has allocated $820,000 in its Operational Plan for the works to be undertaken, however it also states that the final cost will be dependent on the tenders received.
The works are out to tender and the process will close on February 18.
It is possible that the works, which will start at Lioness Park and continue to the corner of Winbin Crescent and Gamban Rd – where it connects to the existing rising main – could take up to four months to complete.
Residents have been assured that no services will be disrupted during that time.
Nicola Riches