Investigation at Wheeny Creek
The EPA has been investigating alleged unlawful dumping at property 903C Blaxland Ridge Road, Wheeny Creek since October 2020.
On 3 July 2024, we took surface water and sediment samples from two creeks and a wetland in the valley below an alleged unlawful dumping site in the Wheeny Creek locality, west of Sydney.
Surface water and sediment samples were collected from four sites:
- Wheeny Creek, upstream of the alleged source property
- Unnamed creek that runs down into a valley from the alleged source property, approximately 330 metres from the alleged source site
- Wetland, at the confluence of the unnamed creek
- Wetland, approximately 150m south-east from the confluence with the unnamed creek.
Analysis and results
Water and sediment samples were collected from each site for chemical analysis and a water quality meter was used to record pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature and turbidity at the time of collection.
The samples were analysed for pesticides, total and dissolved metals, nutrients, hydrocarbons, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and semi-volatile organic compounds at a National Association of Testing Authorities accredited laboratory.
We compared the results to the Australian water quality guidelines for aquatic ecosystem protection where available.
The results showed that all metals were below water quality guideline values, except for aluminium, which had concentrations above water quality guideline values in the creek and at the wetland downstream. The hardness of this water is likely to reduce the potential toxicity of aluminium found in this creek.
The concentration of minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, sulfur and barium were higher in the creek compared to the concentrations at the other sites.
PFAS were detected at very low concentrations in sediments from the creek, wetland and upstream (sites 1, 2 and 3). There are currently no sediment quality guidelines for PFAS. PFAS was not detected in any water samples.
The full results of the surface water and sediment samples are outlined in our Wheeny Creek Investigation report (PDF 2.2MB).
We will continue to work with the community to review and monitor local water quality.
