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City of Wollongong

Belmore Basin Update

Tuesday 21 January 2020

A weekend diesel spill from a charter boat was reported to Wollongong City Council on Monday 21 January 2020.

The boat’s owner has self-reported the incident to the EPA, and they’re investigating the matter. We understand the NSW Roads and Maritime Service, who are the agency responsible for the health of the Harbour, are aware of the incident and worked with NSW Fire and Rescue to manage the spill over the weekend.

However, Belmore Basin is a popular place for swimming and small children often play at the water’s edge. Contact with hydrocarbons can cause skin irritation and that is why we’ve placed signage around the Harbour area warning people to stay out of the water.

We will continue to monitor the water conditions and anticipate the warmer weather and sunshine will help the diesel to break down from the water’s surface. We’re also using a jet ski in the Harbour to disperse the diesel and encourage it to evaporate.

Daily inspections are being made and today’s review has shown the amount of diesel has reduced.

We will continue to review the water quality.

It’s unlikely last weekend’s diesel spill will have an impact on the Aquathon or Australia Day festivities.


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