The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Snowy Hydro and their contractor $30,000 following two alleged pollution incidents in the Kosciuszko National Park.
Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at NSW EPA, Carmen Dwyer said Snowy Hydro Limited and their contractor WeBuild were each issued with a $15,000 penalty notice.
“The NSW EPA alleges inadequate sediment and erosion controls were established despite warnings by officers,” Ms Dwyer said.
“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.”
She said all EPA licensed operators were expected to act with environmental responsibility and this standard was especially important in delicate ecosystems.
Ms Dwyer said the Authority’s 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.
“The environment around these local waterways in the Kosciuszko National 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,” the EPA Executive Director said.
“Actions like this can severely impact the environment not just now but for years to come and can be detrimental to many species,” she said.
“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.”
Ms Dwyer said EPA officers would continue to monitor the construction project closely given the sensitive nature of the Alpine environment.
