The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has commenced public consultation on its statutory five-yearly review of the licences for Sydney Water's 23 sewage treatment systems across Greater Sydney and the Illawarra.
The licences cover Sydney Water's sewage treatment plants and the associated network of pipes and pumping stations that convey sewage from homes and businesses to those treatment plants.
NSW EPA Director Adam Gilligan said all environment protection licences are required to be reviewed every five years to ensure the licences are fit for purpose and reflect contemporary best practice and operating measures.
"We value community input to this review, which will help shape our approach to regulating Sydney Water's sewage treatment systems," Mr Gilligan said.
"We're continuing to monitor the operations of Sydney Water to ensure it is complying with its strict licence requirements.
"We will keep the public informed, listen to concerns and provide summary feedback on submissions once the consultation has been completed."
In particular the EPA is seeking feedback on the impacts to local environment from overflows and the level of treatment required at Sydney Water's sewage treatment plants (STPs) as well as community access to information.
STP licences do not cover the stormwater system, which is typically regulated by local councils.
