Water Corporation to face prosecution over sewage spills

30/3/04
Environment Minister Judy Edwards has given consent for a prosecution to proceed against the Water Corporation for two sewage spills on the Swan River.
The prosecution, which was authorised last week, will allege that domestic sewage was discharged into the Swan River from the Water Corporation's Bridge Street pumping station at Guildford on two occasions between May and July 2003.
"I have asked the Department of Environment to assist with the preparation of a complaint document against the Water Corporation and Swan Water Services Pty Ltd for causing pollution under Section 49(3) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986," Dr Edwards said.
"The incidents occurred on May 29, 2003, when it is alleged that 3,000 litres of domestic sewage was discharged into the Swan River and on July 10, when it is alleged that 1.3 million litres were released.
"I am disappointed that I have had to authorise action to be taken against another Government entity, but the Swan and Canning Rivers are a priceless asset for the people of Western Australia.
"The Government must be prepared to take strong action, regardless of the origin or the source of the discharge."

The maximum penalty for this section of the Act is $500,000.
Minister's office: 9220 5050