The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Beresfield poultry processing facility Bartter Enterprises $15,000 for allegedly discharging high-strength effluent into Woodberry swamp. The fine is the largest amount it can issue under its legislation.
EPA director metro operations David Gathercole said the poultry facility was allowed to release waste water within strict restrictions.
“Under its licence, Bartter Enterprises is allowed to release a controlled amount of treated waste water.
“However, testing indicated that effluent treatment at the premises was inadequate resulting in a high concentration of chemical compounds being discharged into the swamp. This included elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus,” Gathercole said.
The 2018 Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy recognises the Woodberry swamp as a wetland.Leakage of high-strength affluent can disturb natural ecosystems and have negatives impacts on sensitive aquatic life through the rapid growth of weed and algae, the EPA said.
Gathercole added that Bartter Enterprises was put on notice to prevent water pollution.
“By issuing this penalty notice and enforcing a number of immediate, medium and long-term actions – including modifying the on-site wastewater treatment plant – the EPA is emphasising the importance of Bartter’s responsibility to comply with the law and protect the local sensitive environment,” he said.
