Local residents have expressed concerns of issues at the Crescent Head Sewerage Treatment Plant after greenish-brown plumes were noticed along the coastline at Crescent Head.
Kempsey Shire Council has inspected the plumes and discussions with the NSW Environmental Protection Agency suggest these are most likely algal blooms.
Algal blooms are naturally occurring and are currently being experienced along the coast of NSW, including around Black Rock off South West Rocks.
On Thursday 12 January, a resident contacted Council concerned that the Crescent Head Sewerage Treatment Plant was not working correctly.
The Sewerage Treatment Plant was inspected midday Thursday 12 January. This confirmed no issues with its processing and operation, meaning the sewage being pumped out is treated, and not raw sewage. Council staff explained to the concerned resident that the slimy slick was likely to be an algal bloom.
Council will continue to monitor the presence of algal blooms in the Kempsey Shire.
How does an algal bloom form?
Algae occurs naturally and indicate a healthy aquatic ecosystem. When nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen are at excessive levels, and other environmental conditions are favourable, algae can multiply at a rapid rate causing a bloom.
Algal blooms can occur at any time but tend to grow faster in warmer months.
