An investigation is under way into the cause of an alleged solvent spill in the Molonglo River in Queanbeyan.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) led a rapid response to the spill, which came from the Cleanaway Queanbeyan facility on May 15.
The substance was found to be organic solvent Vivasol 2046, an industrial solvent used for cleaning.
Cleanaway worked to contain the spill under the supervision of the NSW EPA.
"Under direction from the EPA, the clean-up included Cleanaway installing multiple lines of pollution control and the use of sucker trucks, which helped limit the spill to a one-kilometre section of the river," a NSW EPA spokesperson said.
"On-ground assessments show the spill did not reach the lower reaches of the Molonglo River, Lake Burley Griffin or downstream water users.
"Solvents can be toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. In relation to this matter there have been no reports of impacts to fish or to downstream water users. The Queanbeyan River has not been impacted.
"The NSW EPA issued Cleanaway Equipment Services Pty Ltd with a formal direction to clean up and is working closely with the ACT EPA to ensure appropriate clean-up and that the environment is protected."
@NSW_EPA officers have been inspecting the Molonglo River at a wet Queanbeyan today to check #pollution controls and progress of the final stages of clean-up following a solvent spill last week. #environment#inspectionpic.twitter.com/TIOJYOIyNT
— NSW EPA (@NSW_EPA) May 23, 2020
NSW EPA officers returned to the site on the weekend to inspect the pollution controls and the final stages of the clean-up effort.
Vivasol 2046 is a combustable liquid which may be fatal if ingested, and is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effect.
Anyone with any environmental concerns can call the 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555.
