A builder working in Coogee who pumped untreated sediment-laden water directly into the stormwater system has been hit with an $8,520 fine by Randwick City Council.

On Monday 20 February 2017, beach-goers at Coogee Beach noticed white sediment-laden water flowing from the stormwater pipe at the northern end of the beach.

Council’s Environmental Health Officers attended the beach and were able to trace the source of the pollution back to a building site on Mount Street where a builder was pumping site water into the stormwater system via a rear lane.

The builder was immediately instructed to cease and later issued with Prevention Notice and fine for committing an offence under Section 120 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza said the fine should send a strong message.

“This type of behaviour is irresponsible and environmental vandalism. The stormwater system flows directly to our beaches – there’s no magic filter.

“I’d like to thank the local residents who reported this to Council and worked with us to find and stop the source of pollution,” Mayor D’Souza said.

Anybody who sees somebody tipping things down the drain should report it to Randwick City Council on 1300 722 542 or council@randwick.nsw.gov.au.