As a result of the recent major flood event at the Wilson's River, Lismore City Council is asking the community not to undertake any recreational activities in the surrounding waterways due to sewerage discharge from the treatment plants.
Lismore City Council's General Manager John Walker said the flooding event impacted the sewerage treatment plants causing major damage and reduced operating capacity.
This means the council has no option but to discharge low treatment or untreated sewage into the Wilsons River as a means of disposal.
"The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority has issued Lismore City Council with a special licence that temporarily allows council to dispose of sewage in this manner," he said.
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The discharge is having a significant impact on the water quality in all waterways that are impacted by tidal activity including the Wilsons River, Leycester Creek and associated tributaries, creeks and waterways.
Council is advising that all recreational activities including boating, fishing, canoeing, swimming and all other activities that requires any contact with the water not be undertaken until such time the council deems it safe to use the waterways.
Also, any commercial users drawing water should seek advice to establish if the water is fit for purpose.
Lismore City Council thanks the community for their understanding and patience during these times and will continue to update our community with the latest information.
