Lake Curalo has been declared a no-go zone after a sewer spill over the weekend, with Eden residents advised to neither fish nor swim in the lake until further notice.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bega Valley Shire Council said the spills occurred after after sewer pump stations were inundated during last Saturday night’s violent storm.
“Sewer pump station 15 in Wildwood Court Merimbula was inundated and impacted on Yellow Pinch Creek and Back Lake Merimbula,” a council spokesperson said.
“Sewer pump station 3 in Cattle Bay Road Eden was also affected and impacted on Twofold Bay.
“Other sewer spills impacted on the Pambula River mouth and Lake Curalo in Eden.”
The council advised to avoid swimming in the affected areas and to await the results of samples taken at each site.
BVSC staff are assessing the situation and authorities and stakeholders have been informed.
An Eden resident living on the shores of Lake Curalo – who requested anonymity – said the sewer spill was almost expected.
“It’s no mystery. Every time there’s a deluge we have a sewage overflow,” the resident said.
“This is the third time in five years.
“The council likes to blame big rain events, and that’s their excuse for doing nothing.”
The last sewage overflow to affect Lake Curalo occurred last November, with council again blaming rain inundation placing strain on “council waste management infrastructure”.
Council has posted warning signs around the affected sites.
The Eden community was quick to react on social media, including Eden resident Mel Megna.
“Walked around lake yesterday....looks like blankets of "turds" everywhere,” Mr Megna wrote on the Eden Magnet Facebook.
Joining the debate on Facebook was fellow resident Kym Herfoss-Hyland.
“How many times is this going to happen before the council upgrades the pump stations to stop these spillages?” Ms Herfoss-Hyland wrote.
“Not only is it a major health hazard, but affecting people’s livelihoods as well.”
The sewage overflow couldn’t come at a worse time for Lake Curalo – or the council – after the much anticipated completion of its walkway less than two weeks ago, on Friday January 22.
Ironically, the lake was complimented on its “health” and abundant wildlife during councillor Sharon Tapscott’s visit to the walkway on Monday, January 25, with further comment about the importance to retain and protect its environmental qualities.
Fairfax Media is awaiting further information from the BVSC about the sewage spill and will provide updates.
Related story: