A Sydney creek turned bright blue last week, sparking an investigation that uncovered suspected pollution.
A nearby warehouse has since been ordered to clean up Toongabbie Creek, which is part of the Parramatta River catchment, and locals have been urged to avoid the bright blue sections of water.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Toongabbie Creek turns bright blue.
Locals were furious as two sections of Toongabbie Creek turned “turquoise blue” with many reporting that the shocking incident was not the first time they have seen the creek become “visibly polluted”. “The poor river wildlife,” one wrote on social media.
“It’s still devastating,” another wrote, days after the community reported the suspected pollution to authorities. Some voiced suspicions that the “culprit” was likely based in the nearby Blacktown industrial area.
After an investigation, the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) issued Seven Hills chemical manufacturing and distribution business DGL Manufacturing with a cleanup order.
“Officers located blue coloured liquid in containers with some labelled waste dye at the company’s premises,” a NSW EPA spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.
DGL Manufacturing was issued a cleanup notice requiring the business to contain and remove the suspected pollution by Wednesday.
7NEWS.com.au has contacted DGL Manufacturing for comment.
Water testing and a cleanup operation has already begun, but some sections may still be unsafe.
“The creek is now mostly clear,” the NSW EPA spokesperson said.
“However, some sections of the creek with lower flows may have some isolated spots where slightly blue coloured water may be present.
“If the community sees blue coloured water, they should avoid this area while we are waiting for test results.”