ANSTO, the Sutherland Shire Council, NSW Health, Sydney Water, and the Environmental Protection Authority are all working together after a small six centimetre crack was identified in a waste water pipeline on Monday 11 March.
The pipe travels from Lucas Heights to Cronulla treatment facilities, carrying grey-water (approx. 65 per cent) and wastewater from kitchens, showers and toilets (approx. 35 per cent).
Of course all water is tested for radioactivity before it even enters the pipe. Additional assurance tests already carried out on Monday confirmed ANSTO’s standard processes have worked, and there is no radioactivity above normal, safe drinking water levels.
Preliminary water quality testing results received today indicate bacterial levels on the Woronora River are below recommended guidelines and present no risk to human health or the environment.
The small crack was detected at the point the pipeline runs under the Woronora River before joining the main Sydney Water sewer line to the Cronulla Sewage treatment plant.
The pipeline was immediately closed and all waste water is now being stored on site until the small section of pipeline is replaced. This work is already underway and expected to be completed as soon as this week.
ANSTO's expert environmental scientists have been working closely with all of the relevant agencies, and ANSTO, with the Sutherland Shire Council, will continue to keep the community updated.
Published: 13/03/2013