The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is reminding operators based within or around ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks to ensure robust controls are in place to protect the environment or prepare to face serious regulatory action.
The warning comes after Snowy Hydro Limited and their contractor WeBuild were each issued with a $15,000 penalty notice by the EPA following two alleged pollution incidents in the Kosciuszko ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park.
The NSW EPA alleges inadequate sediment and erosion controls were established despite warnings by officers. As a result, a sediment plume stretched for more than two kilometres down Yarrangobilly River, and Nungar Creek was separately impacted by sediment laden water from roadworks at Tantangara.
NSW EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations, Carmen Dwyer said that all EPA licensed operators are expected to act with environmental responsibility and this standard is especially important in delicate ecosystems.
“The environment around these local waterways in the Kosciuszko ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park contains highly specialised plants, animals and micro-organisms and is home to a number of endangered species like the smoky mouse and the Alpine Tree Frog,” Ms Dwyer said.
“Actions like this can severely impact the environment not just now but for years to come and can be detrimental to many species.
“These incidents simply should not have occurred. Every industry has a role to play in reducing their impact, but your role is even more critical when you’re based in one of our state’s most pristine environments.
The NSW EPA investigation found Snowy Hydro and WeBuild failed to adequately implement specific measures at the two locations within the park required to address potential pollution incidents.
EPA officers will continue to monitor the construction project closely given the sensitive nature of the Alpine environment.
