A poultry processing facility has received the highest sanction that the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) can impose following allegations that the Beresfield company dumped effluent at high concentration in Woodberry Swamp.

Bartter Enterprises Pty Limited was fined hefty for allegedly dumping the sewage into the Marsh, which is a floodplain and wetland near Maitland.

The marsh is a wetland recognized under the Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 2018.

David Gathercole, director of metro operations for the EPA, said companies like Bartter were only allowed to discharge a controlled amount of sewage under strict conditions.

“Testing indicated that on-site effluent treatment was inadequate, resulting in the release of a high concentration of chemicals into the marsh. This included high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, ”Gathercole said.

In addition to the fine, the EPA has put the poultry processing company on notice to take action to prevent further pollution of the water.

Gathercole went on to explain that the delicate aquatic life of Woodberry Marsh could be affected by high-concentration effluent, resulting in rapid growth of weeds and algae.

“By issuing this penalty notice and taking a number of immediate, medium, and long-term actions – including modifying the on-site sewage treatment plant – the EPA underscores the importance of Bartter’s responsibility to comply with the law and protect environmentally sensitive premises, ”added Gathercole.

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