Sydney Water has been hit with fines and financial obligations totaling over $865,000 following a massive sewage overflow incident. 

In 2020, approximately 16 million litres of raw sewage overflowed, resulting in the evacuation of 39 residents in the suburb of Naremburn. 

The overflow was caused by the partial collapse of a sewage pipe and maintenance hole, leading to a blockage in the system. The sewage then backed up and overflowed at multiple locations, including Dawson Reserve, Gaza Road, and Garland Road, ultimately contaminating Flat Rock Creek.The sewage had a significant impact on Flat Rock Creek and extended downstream to Long Bay, Middle Harbour for up to a week.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) took action, resulting in Sydney Water being fined $365,625 for three offences related to the incident. Additionally, Sydney Water agreed to pay $500,000 to environmental projects as part of an Enforceable Undertaking with the EPA. 

Arminda Ryan, the EPA's Acting Executive Director, expressed concern about the incident's impact on aquatic organisms and the local community. 

To address the concerns raised, Sydney Water committed to an Enforceable Undertaking, which includes funding of $500,000 for environmental projects in collaboration with North Sydney Council, Willoughby City Council, and the Aboriginal Heritage Office. 

The company was also ordered by the court to apologise to affected residents, cover the EPA's legal costs, and publish details of the conviction in prominent newspapers and social media channels.

Sydney Water has expressed remorse for the incident, telling the court it had “fallen short” of its own requirements. 

“In particular, I express remorse and contrition on behalf of Sydney Water for the incident and for the resulting impact on the environment and our customers,” Iain Fairbairn, Sydney Water head of wastewater and environment, wrote in an affidavit.

The company has engaged in site remediation, provided temporary accommodation to affected residents, and made improvements to its maintenance and reporting processes. 

While the judge acknowledged that Sydney Water's conduct was inadvertent rather than deliberate, she highlighted the need for proactive measures to address ageing infrastructure.

Sydney Water has now faced twelve convictions related to sewage overflows since 2020.

Despite the prior convictions for environmental offences, the judge noted that the steps taken to improve the sewerage network reduced the likelihood of future incidents.