Merimbula Lake oyster farmers are feeling the effects of an unexpected and inconvenient three-week lake closure.
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The closure was due to a sewage spill in Merimbula on Tuesday, October 11, that unfortunately leaked into Merimbula Lake.
The spill was a result of root intrusion into a pipe and the choke that created.
Merimbula Lake oyster farmer and quality assurance program coordinator Dominic Boyton said the mandatory closure was unfortunate but necessary.
“It is better to shut the lake than for someone to eat an oyster and get sick,” Mr Boyton said.
“The timing’s not great, other years this has happened over Christmas and it’s been disastrous. This is not ideal, it’s not good for us [oyster farmers] and it’s not good for the environment.”
Bega Valley Shire Council’s Water and Sewerage crew were on site late Tuesday and early Wednesday morning following the report of the spill.
A number of flats in the Park Street area were impacted as well as Merimbula Lake.
BVSC general manager Leanne Barnes said council’s team enacted a response as soon as council became aware of the situation.
“It is vital in circumstances such as these that any breach of council’s sewerage infrastructure is reported to council immediately because we have qualified staff and equipment to deal with the situation quickly,” Ms Barnes said.
“In this instance the spill has resulted in damage to local accommodation and sewage flowing into Merimbula Lake.
“We have enacted all protocols as per the Environment Protection Authority’s requirements, which has resulted in a precautionary one month closure of localised oyster leases until the lake water can be fully assessed.
“A number of local flats had carpets damaged as a result of the spill and will need to have carpets replaced,” Ms Barnes said.
Council released a statement on the matter urging the public to remember that time is critical with these sorts of incidents.
“The sooner council is informed, the more chance council has to bring about a positive outcome.”
Council is urging the public to report any incident relating to council’s water and sewerage infrastructure as soon as possible by calling 6499 2222. This service is available 24 hours a day.