Construction company Ganellen Pty Ltd has been fined $16,000 and directed to pay costs of $8,000 following successful prosecution by Northern Beaches Council for a water pollution offence.

The conviction and fine were handed down at a court hearing on Thursday 1 November 2018 at the Parramatta Local Court.

Since July 2016, Northern Beaches Council has dealt with Ganellen Pty Ltd in respect of various incidents at the Harbord Diggers construction site.

In one incident in May 2017, Council officers attended the site, following a complaint, to find water contaminated with cement mix and an oily substance flowing off the construction site and into Council’s stormwater drain. The drain empties into the ocean at South Curl Curl headland.

Council observed that inadequate sediment controls were installed on the site which allowed contaminated water to migrate offsite and enter Council’s stormwater system.

Mayor Michael Regan said Council was committed to protecting the northern beaches’ pristine environment and acts of pollution would be taken very seriously.

“It is an offence to pollute water under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997,” Mayor Regan said.

“People or companies doing this will be investigated and offenders will be subject to heavy penalties.

“Pollution of our environment on the northern beaches is unacceptable.”

Due to the various issues arising from the construction site, Council decided to prosecute the company.

The penalty payable under a penalty notice issued by a Council officer for water pollution under the Act is $8,000 for a corporation and $4,000 for an individual.

The maximum penalty for water pollution offences for a corporation is $1,000,000, with a further penalty for each day the offence continues.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678