2 days ago
'Expected to take some time': Grim warning as urgent repair works continue after sewage leak strikes Perth suburbs of Spearwood and Beaconsfield
Western Australian authorities are racing to complete urgent repair works as a major sewage spill continues to impact two southern Perth suburbs.
The issue stems from a pipe that pipe on a sewer main in Spearwood on Friday, which sparked a subsequent wastewater overflow in the nearby suburb of Beaconsfield.
Residents have been urged not to fish or crab in the Swan River along Burke Street in Alfred Cove and Dunkley Avenue in Applecross due to the polluted water.
Locals should refrain from undertaking any recreational water activities within the harbour at the Freemantle Sailing Club, while the groyne in the Fishing Boat Harbour has also closed.
While the overflows have stopped, Water Corporation has warned repair works are "expected to take some time to ensure the safety of crews".
"Given the complexity of the wastewater network and the amount of wastewater backed up in the system, there remains a risk of further localised overflows," it said in a statement on Monday.
"Remediation of the affected sites will start as soon as practical.
"Traffic management is currently in place along Hamilton Road, Spearwood, between Ocean Road and Mell Road, and Caesar Street in Beaconsfield is currently closed in both directions."
Speaking about the impact to the area, one local told 9News the odour "smells like a toilet".
"(I) went out to look and you could smell it," the resident said.
Locals have been told to steer clear of affected sites and heed the advice displayed on warning signage, while security and barricades remain in place to protect the community.
A spokesperson for The City of Fremantle confirmed on Monday that sewage had been identified at the stormwater drain at the southern end of Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
"This is a consequence of the leak at Bruce Lee Oval in Beaconsfield. As a result, the groyne in the Fishing Boat Harbour is closed until further notice," a statement read on Facebook.
"City staff are monitoring the water quality to ensure safety for beach users in the area."
Overflows have affected Caesar Street and Bruce Lee Reserve in Beaconsfield, and Hamilton Road and Watsonia Park in Spearwood.
Smaller related overflows continue to impact parts of the Swan River at Dunkley Avenue in Applecross, Burke Street in Alfred Cove, and a section of road along South Terrace in South Fremantle.
Locals have been urged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and clean water if they touch the residual wastewater, while exposed surfaces should be disinfected.
"Temporary odour may be experienced in the vicinity of the affected sites," Water Corporation said.
"To minimise odours, please keep windows closed and consider using fans or air purifiers if needed.
"Avoid exercising outdoors if strong odours are present."
Anyone who is feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and nausea should seek medical advice.
Water Corporation has apologised for any inconvenience, while reassuring nearby residents that "crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to complete repairs".
The WA Department of Health, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have also been notified.
