Pollution Incident - Berry Creek, St Leonards South
Published on 20 November 2025
Update Pollution Incident SLS
The contractor commenced first thing Thursday on cleaning up the Creek.
Staff issued the Clean Up Notice and the prescribed fine under the POEO Act to the builder.
On the building site the silt & sediment controls were further upgraded to the satisfaction of Councils Compliance staff.
While the clean-up was completed yesterday the builder is required to submit a report outlining the results to satisfy the Clean Up Order.
The matter is considered finalised subject to the submission of the report required by the POEO Order.
20 November 2025
Council is responding to a pollution incident that occurred yesterday (19 November 2025) at the St Leonards South (SLS) Precinct, located on the corner of Canberra Avenue and River Road.
Machinery working on the construction site damaged a water main, causing flooding on the site. While silt and sediment controls contained much of the runoff, some sediment entered the stormwater system and made its way into the upper sections of Berry Creek.
The builder has:
- Cleaned up the affected street gutters
- Installed a boom in Berry Creek to help prevent sediment travelling further downstream
- Replaced the silt and sediment controls on site
- Deployed staff to monitor the situation
Council staff have issued verbal directions and are preparing a Clean Up Notice under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act). Council will make a decision regarding any penalty under the POEO Act once the clean-up is completed.
An environmental contractor has been engaged to clean the affected sections of Berry Creek and commenced work this morning.
If you require further information, please contact Council’s Director, Planning & Sustainability on 9911 3610 or email mbrisby@lanecove.nsw.gov.au