Wannon Water, EPA investigate spill into ocean from sewage plant

Wannon Water managing director Andrew Jeffers said a spill earlier in the week at the Warrnambool Sewage Treatment Plant was an operational issue that resulted in the discharge of dirty-coloured water to the ocean.

It is not known how much was spilled into the ocean between Shelly Beach and Thunder Point. 

"Wannon Water is investigating the cause but believes it is due to an unusual load into the sewerage system on Sunday evening that upset the plant's normal biological treatment processes," he said.

"As a result of the incident Wannon Water was forced to discharge water that contained organic material to the ocean mixing zone.

"The plant returned to normal operations overnight Monday and continues to be closely monitored."

Mr Jeffers said an inspection on Wednesday morning "showed that the water in the mixing zone and nearby rocks and beaches were clear of any noticeable visual impact, apart from a slight discolouration of some small sand patches at the high tide mark on a nearby beach".

The EPA was notified on Monday and inspected the plant on Tuesday

The Standard is awaiting a response on the spill from the EPA. 

More to come. 

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